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EDITORIAL Head of Editorial: Jack Salter jack.salter@outpb.com
Deputy Head of Editorial: Lucy Pilgrim lucy.pilgrim@outpb.com
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WEALTH OF RESOURCES
Welcome to our seventh edition of Mining Outlook.
Like the god of fire and the forge in ancient Roman religion and myth, Vulcan Mozambique (Vulcan) has sculpted an enviable reputation in the African mining sector.
Proudly flying the flag for Mozambique on this issue’s front cover, the company stands stoically as the Southeast African nation’s largest and most successful mining organisation, responsible for operating the impressive Moatize coal mine.
“The type of coal available in our mines is unique because of its low volatile matters and is available in very limited countries,” acclaims CEO, Dr. Mukesh Kumar, who digs deeper into Vulcan’s exceptional work carried out at this vast 25,000 hectare site.
With estimated resources of over 1.5 billion tonnes, the Moatize coal mine places Vulcan in a prominent position in the world market.
Africa as a whole is likewise blessed with a wealth of critical mineral commodities buried beneath the continent’s dominant physical features.
The mission of Maatla Resources is to develop the coalfields of Mmamabula in Botswana, providing a stable energy source while simultaneously fuelling the economy.
“Coal forms an integral part of Africa’s future energy security as it is an abundant, affordable source that needs to be utilised responsibly with existing clean power generation technologies,” Jacques Badenhorst, CEO, tells us.
Canada is equally privileged to be sitting on numerous natural resources and critical minerals strived for by many around the world.
Founded in 1971 in the city of Sherbrooke, Castonguay Blasting leverages more than 50 years of experience in the field to offer turnkey drilling and blasting, along with explosives supply and technical services.
We find out why the company is well-positioned to take on the industry as a leader in drilling and blasting for the mining and construction sectors.
“Our advantage, being local, is that we know our environment such as the terrain, weather, culture, and communities,” affirms CEO, Yuri Alexandre.
With additional corporate stories from the Botswana Chamber of Mines, Superior Silica Sands, Kunooz Oman Holding, and more, this issue is rich in reserves.
We hope that you enjoy your read.
Jack Salter Head of Editorial, Outlook Publishing
The
Taking Pride in Coal
44 Vulcan Mozambique
Perfecting the Process
The pride of Mozambique
FEATURES
AFRICA
64 Maatla Resources
Developing Stability
Powering energy security in Botswana
76 Kudumane Manganese Resources
Stewards of Manganese Communities
An overarching commitment to sustainable development
84 Syrah Resources
Granting Global Access to Graphite
Supplying critical graphite and anode products
94 B&E International
Dedicated to Integrated Solutions
Premium crushing, mining, and mineral processing services
102 Naledi Mining Services Company
Creating Limitless Mining Possibilities A vital player in Botswana mining
110 Jindal Africa
Unearthing the African Spirit Economic expansion through exploration
NORTH AMERICA
116 Castonguay Blasting
Leaders in Blasting
Ready to take on challenges in a growing industry
124 Superior Silica Sands
Every Grain Counts
Supplying high-quality sands products to the industrial and energy sectors
124
EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
132 Kunooz Oman Holding
Unearthing Oman’s Treasure
A guiding leadership philosophy
140 EPC Groupe
Executing Explosive Evolution
World-leading specialists in drilling and blasting
ASIA PACIFIC
148 Gold Fields Australia
Glistening Prospects
Sustainable and digital transformation for the Eastern Goldfields region
Around the mining sector in seven stories...
RAIL CAN’T FAIL
SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NETWORK of railways has suddenly become the centre of global attention, attracting significant investment in a race to secure freight solutions for the copper supplies needed to fuel the global energy transition.
From the continent’s west coast of Angola to Tanzania on the east, governments and investors are preparing to revive decades-old rail lines that have fallen into disrepair and build new and improved transport routes.
This unexpected demand comes from the prosperity of the Central African copperbelt shared between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
From the US and European Union (EU) to China, there is now a growing realisation that the power of rail must play a crucial and strategic role in allowing mining exports to flow.
PERUVIAN COPPER PLATEAUS
PERU’S PRODUCTION OF copper, which reached astronomical highs of 2.75 million tonnes in 2023, is expected to gradually stagnate during the second half of this year for the first time since 2020.
Despite this challenging period, Peru’s copper potential remains
substantial, however the issue of social opposition continues to pose a significant barrier to further expansion.
Projects like First Quantum Minerals’ Haquira mine have struggled with significant pushback and community resistance for over a decade, impeding the next wave of growth.
On the other hand, the nation’s mining climate is gradually becoming
THE HIDDEN GEM OF LESOTHO
LESOTHO MINING COMPANY, Gem Diamonds, has unearthed a 129.71-carat type II white diamond at its increasingly productive Letšeng mine.
The impressive find, recovered on 23rd August, is the 10th diamond of above 100 carats that the company has recorded so far this year.
This variation of diamond is the most valued and collectable of the world’s precious gemstones, as they contain little to no nitrogen atoms in their crystal structure.
The Letšeng mine is one of the world’s 10 largest diamond operations by revenue and located at 3,100 metres above sea level, meaning it is also one of the world’s most elevated diamond sites.
more favourable, as evidenced by the recent approval of the Tia Maria project, signalling a positive shift towards a more pro-mining stance from the Peruvian government.
CONTINENTAL
PREPARES MINING SHOWCASE
CONTINENTAL, THE GLOBA L leader in rubber and technology products for a multitude of industrial sectors, has announced it will showcase several new high-end technology solutions for the extraction of mineral resources at MINExpo International, which is being held between 24th and 26th September in Las Vegas. The company’s premium mining
QUEENSLAND OPAL MINING UNDER THREAT
THE VAST RED DIRT of Queensland’s Australian outback marks a historically rich location to search for a rare, underground bounty. Despite the land being as dry as a bone, it is home to a gemstone found only in the country’s second-largest state — the boulder opal.
At Vergemont, an enormous former cattle station, producers use hand picks to uncover dazzling
solutions encompass conveying, monitoring, fluid and specialty mining hoses, suspension, and power transmission products.
Visitors to its booth will have the chance to engage with Continental’s team of experts, experience live demonstrations, and explore how the company’s solutions can elevate mining practices to new heights.
slivers of rainbow rock, as part of an industry where a gem the size of your fist can fetch prices up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, many opal miners in the area are concerned that their future is hanging by a thread.
The Queensland government recently purchased the Vergemont mining station earlier this year, along with two neighbouring properties, Tonkoro and Melrose. It announced that the land will be transitioned into a national park, which has many in the opal industry concerned about the viability of their mining leases.
A GOLDEN COMPROMISE
TWO GIANTS OF THE African mining landscape, Endeavour and Lilium, have finally settled legal proceedings over the sale of two gold mines, with the assets set to be transferred to the Burkina Faso government.
The two companies encountered a lengthy dispute following Lilium’s purchase of the Wahgnion and Boungou projects in the West African nation during the summer of 2023.
Under the settlement, ownership of the sites will be transferred to Burkina Faso, where the government will pay USD$60 million to Endeavour and a three percent royalty on up to 400,000 ounces of gold produced at the Wahgnion mine.
NICARAGUA’S GOLD RUSH
SHALLOW DRILL RESULTS have highlighted the exciting opportunity to develop the San Albino gold mine in Nicaragua.
These statistics further confirm the potential to expand high-grade mineralisation in areas that are currently being mined at the site.
Looking to capitalise on this new development, the San Albino site is currently mined by Mako Mining Corp.
More broadly, Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and boasts the highest recorded gold production in the region.
Harnessing Electrification to Reduce Mining’s Carbon Footprint
Rob Moffitt, President of Mining, Minerals, and Metals at Schneider Electric, explores how the industry can transition to sustainable practices by using an alternative power supply
Writer: Rob Moffitt, President of Mining, Minerals, and Metals, Schneider Electric
Mining could be one of the most vital sectors for the global energy transition. If the world is to fully embrace renewable energy and reach net zero for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mining output for the critical minerals that underpin these technologies will need to increase sixfold by 2040.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over the past few years, demand for lithium has tripled, nickel has risen by 40 percent, and cobalt has jumped by 70 percent due to increased requests for new renewable energy technologies. However, while we are mining critical resources for the energy transition, the process is responsible for as much as seven percent of global CO2 emissions, with diesel-powered equipment still accounting for up to 80 percent of a mine’s direct emissions.
As pressure mounts on the mining industry to transition to net zero, electrification has become a strategic imperative not only for environmental stewardship but also for the long-term resilience and competitiveness of mining operations on a global scale. Electrification is key to reshaping the mining sector by addressing its environmental impact, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a roadmap for sustainable practices that will be crucial for the industry’s future.
THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MINING ELECTRIFICATION
Fuelling mining processes, equipment, and power generation
with low-carbon or decarbonised electricity is critical to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, particularly when an estimated 28,000 large mine-hauling trucks remain in operation worldwide, which emit more than 68 million tonnes (t) of CO2 annually – the equivalent generated by more than 8.5 million homes annually.
To date, electrification projects have primarily focused on mining equipment. The Borden mine in Ontario, Canada, has proven that equipment electrification to reduce emissions is achievable without sacrificing performance. For example, Newmont converted its entire underground truck fleet from dieselpowered to battery-powered fuel. As well as reducing CO2 emissions, this transformation has improved air quality, removed expensive internal combustion engine maintenance, and reduced noise pollution.
However, electrification will also significantly impact operational efficiency, particularly regarding underground mining. Electric engines operate at around 90 percent compared to just 30 percent for diesel engines, while the remainder of the engine emits heat into the ambient air. Switching to electric engines could safely decrease ventilation by 30 percent, while removing the build-up of harmful gases and providing and circulating a source of clean air to miners deep underground.
Since ventilation can account for up to 50 percent of the total energy consumption, mitigating the necessity to power fans at such a high rate
would significantly reduce operational costs.
Moreover, electrification can significantly improve safety and working conditions for mine workers, not least because electric vehicles (EVs) and machinery reduce exposure to diesel fumes, improving air quality. Reducing noise pollution also creates a safer and more comfortable working environment. These benefits are not just about compliance or operational improvements – they are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in an industry that is becoming increasingly difficult to appeal to skilled workers.
Electrification is a strategic investment that can lead to substantial returns through improved productivity, operational flexibility, and a safer working environment. These advantages will prove paramount as the mining industry navigates modern resource extraction demands.
STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND
To prepare for the electrification of equipment and processes, mines must manage the changing balance of electricity supply and demand. To achieve this, mining companies should plan and schedule their electricity
supply and demand in a way that supports the entire management system.
On the demand side, as mines transform assets and processes, the challenge becomes more closely linked to energy management, specifically how to manage the new loads to ensure system stability and manage the change in electrical infrastructure while considering that equipment will be powered by electricity.
This requires integrating advanced energy management systems to monitor and optimise energy use, aligning all operations with the available power capacity. Employing digital tools such as real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and smart grid technologies will permit mines to forecast energy needs more effectively and adjust their operations proactively rather than reactively. This will help mines avoid disruptions and maximise local renewable production for fuel operations.
Increased pressure on electrical grids will need to be offset by on-site power generation and outsourcing power from various suppliers across wind, geothermal, and solar. Mining organisations can alleviate the impact of potentially doubling their electricity demand by investing in microgrids
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Rob Moffitt is the President of Mining, Minerals, and Metals at Schneider Electric. He has over two decades of experience leading global growth within various multinational organisations involved in manufacturing, supplying, and servicing multiple innovative products, technologies, and solutions. Moffitt has proven and broad cross-functional experience operating across diverse geographies and cultures.
The Mining, Minerals, and Metals segment within Schneider Electric is focused on developing an in-depth understanding of its customers’ challenges to develop unique solutions that leverage the best of the company’s resources, products, software, systems, and services.
and energy storage that allow them to store excess power and smooth fluctuations in supply, improving energy security, permitting mines to control their costs, and reducing their carbon footprint.
Many companies have started to invest in on-site renewable projects for greater energy independence, driven by the need for reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy sources. For example, Rio Tinto’s Weipa bauxite mine in Queensland, Australia, has incorporated a solar plant to supply electricity to its operations, reducing its reliance on diesel generators to lower carbon emissions.
By electrifying mines efficiently and adopting alternative energy resources into the process, we can make mines more resilient and ensure that energy does not become a weak part of the value chain.
BRINGING POWER AND PROCESSES TOGETHER
The mining sector strives to reduce its carbon footprint by integrating electrified processes to replace conventional diesel-powered equipment. Those electrified processes are suitable to reduce energy consumption when new levels of algorithms for control are deployed,
leveraging new sensor technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cameras, or artificial intelligence (AI); that new level of automation is an excellent example of how power and process integrations enable new ways to reduce emissions. Not only will this address environmental concerns, but it will also yield substantial operational benefits.
Yet, an electrified mining landscape poses many challenges, particularly in redesigning the electrical infrastructure tailored to suit each mine’s unique demands. The main question of the power purchase agreement (PPA) centres around how
we supply sufficient power to meet the industry’s ambitious goals. Collaborating with domain experts will enable mining companies to craft bespoke and scalable electrification roadmaps. These trusted partnerships will pave the way for mines to achieve their decarbonisation while enhancing operational efficiency. Strategies that focus on resource allocation and energy needs will guide companies through the delicate steps of the electrification journey, creating an optimistic outlook for a sustainable and efficient future in the mining sector.
PRare earth development company, Peak Rare Earths, is developing the Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Tanzania. CEO, Bardin Davis, shares details of the project and outlines its significance in distinguishing East Africa as a leading mining location
Writer: Lily Sawyer
eak Rare Earths (Peak), headquartered in Perth and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), maintains a Tanzanian head office in Dar es Salaam.
Peak is primarily focused on advancing of one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped rare earth projects – the Ngualla Rare Earth Project (Ngualla Project).
“The Ngualla Project has Australasian Joint Ore Reserves
Committee (JORC)-compliant Ore Reserves of 18.5 million tonnes with a total rare earth oxides (TREO) grade of 4.8 percent, which supports an initial mine life of greater than 24 years,” introduces Bardin Davis, CEO.
Notably, the project’s ore reserves represent less than 20 percent of Peak’s overall mineral resources, which provides scope for potential mine expansions and life extensions.
For light rare earth projects such as the Ngualla Project, the most
important contained elements are neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), which are typically used in the production of high-strength permanent magnets.
The Ngualla Project’s ore reserves have an NdPr grade of 1.02 percent, second only to the Lynas Mount Weld mine in Western Australia (WA).
“The Ngualla Project deposit also benefits from very low levels of radionuclides such as thorium and uranium,” Davis reveals.
As such, the development will be able to avoid environmental and radioactivity issues that have typically plagued other rare earth activities.
A CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MODEL
Peak’s sequenced approach entails the initial development of the Ngualla Project as a mine and concentrate operation, before seeking to move further downstream.
“Under this approach, the development will initially produce a high-grade bastnaesite concentrate that will be sold to our strategic partner and offtaker, Shenghe Resources Holding Co., Ltd (Shenghe), for further processing,” Davis tells us.
Internationally active rare earth company, Shenghe, is listed
on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) with a market capitalisation of approximately USD$2 billion. It is the largest importer of rare earth concentrate into China and is globally recognised for its expertise in the mining and processing of rare earths.
Once fully optimised, Peak intends to evaluate the development of a Tanzanian rare earth refinery that could further upgrade its concentrate to either a mixed rare earth carbonate or chloride product.
Longer-term, the company could potentially
move into the production of rare earth oxides.
Mirroring the successful strategy adopted by MP Materials (MP) at its Mountain Pass Project in North America, this approach reduces upfront capital requirements and lowers technical execution and development risk.
SUPPORTED BY SHENGHE
As the most advanced rare earth development project in the world, the Ngualla Project has been substantially derisked from a technical, regulatory, offtake, and funding perspective.
Completed technical studies include a bankable feasibility update and a front end engineering design (FEED) study. As such, all key regulatory approvals are in place, including a special mining licence and binding framework agreement with the Tanzanian government.
“Through a strategic partnership with our major shareholder, Shenghe, we have been able to establish an integrated offtake, development, and funding solution,” Davis affirms.
Shenghe previously played a critical role in supporting the restart of MP’s Mountain Pass Project by providing technical, offtake, investment, and funding support.
“Our binding take-or-pay offtake with Shenghe covers 100 percent of our rare earth concentrate and 50 percent of any downstream rare earth products for a period of seven years,” Davis details.
Peak has also recently announced the signing of a non-binding term sheet that supports an integrated investment, funding, and development solution for the Ngualla Project.
“THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH SHENGHE, WE HOPE TO POSITION THE NGUALLA PROJECT AS THE WORLD’S NEXT RARE EARTH PROJECT”
– BARDIN DAVIS, CEO, PEAK RARE EARTHS
As part of a fully funded solution, Shenghe is set to invest AUD$96 million for a 50 percent interest share in a Peak wholly-owned subsidiary, which holds 84 percent effective interest in the Ngualla Project.
The remaining development costs are to be funded via a Shenghearranged debt facility. As such, upon completion, Peak will no longer have to contribute development equity to the Ngualla Project.
ENDLESS POTENTIAL
Peak believes that the Ngualla Project has the long-term potential to be both a multi-generational and multicommodity project and a key supplier of a range of critical minerals.
The mine is also highly prospective for a range of other critical commodities, including phosphate, fluorspar, and niobium.
For example, earlier this year, the company completed a drilling campaign at the Ngualla Project targeting these commodities, which confirmed a major high-grade fluorspar discovery as well as widespread and high-grade phosphate mineralisation.
A GREEN TRANSFORMATION
Characterised by their unique magnetic properties, rare earth elements are often utilised in advanced technological applications, including the high-strength permanent magnets used to support renewable energy and transport electrification.
For example, NdPr is a key component of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are used in the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and direct drive wind turbines.
More recently, Peak signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tanzanian fertiliser group, Minjingu Mines & Fertiliser Limited, supporting the potential co-development of phosphate from the Ngualla Project.
“We see an exciting opportunity supplying phosphate to the Tanzanian and East African agricultural sector, which continues to be constrained by low crop yields and fertiliser supplies,” Davis informs.
Looking to the future, Peak is working closely with Shenghe to rapidly advance the Ngualla Project and complete its investment, funding, and development agreement ahead of a targeted final investment decision
by the end of December 2024, which would support the commencement of construction early next year.
“Through our partnership with Shenghe, we hope to position the Ngualla Project as the world’s next rare earth project,” he concludes.
Providing Australian industry access to excellent test measurement and analysis tools, EngAnalysis has recently turned its attention to the needs of the nation’s mining sector. Engineering Manager, John Vazey, tells us more
Writer: Lily Sawyer
Founded in 2015, EngAnalysis is an Australian engineering and technology consultancy that seeks to enable its clients to make decisions informed by science, engineering, and measurement.
“Our overall approach allows us to address critical issues with the design, performance, structural capacity, and operation of clients’ major engineering assets,” introduces John Vazey, Engineering Manager at EngAnalysis.
Most recently, the company has been focusing on unlocking efficiency and productivity in the mining sector, primarily by providing real-time structural health monitoring.
As such, it has used sensors and analytics software for troubleshooting, design verification, and assessing the risks of potential safety hazards in local mines.
This innovation has arisen in response to the Australian mining and mineral processing industries facing complex challenges, putting workers, equipment, operations, and the environment at risk.
“The effective planning and design of machinery, structures, and processes not only helps to mitigate these risks but drives improved operational performance,” Vazey enthuses.
Therefore, EngAnalysis’ early identification of potential safety hazards or design flaws in mines through real-time monitoring and computational analysis of a prototype seeks to considerably improve performance, safety, and operations.
“This process also minimises downtime by reducing the potential for equipment failure,” he adds.
ANALYSING DATA TO ENABLE EFFICIENCY
Having evolved into Australia’s leading industrial testing and structural monitoring service provider, EngAnalysis delivers projects for some of the country’s most critical infrastructure.
Its highly qualified engineers and analysts provide EngAnalysis with real-time, in-depth data analysis and interpretation from a wide range of measurement, verification, and assessment methods.
ENGANALYSIS AT A GLANCE
Providing more than just data, the company offers in-depth analysis, interpretation, and decisions focused on reducing risk and uncertainty for its clients’ engineering teams. As such, it provides:
• Engineering test, measurement, and analysis.
• Monitoring-as-a-service to contribute to project certainty.
• Near real-time data, analysis, and notifications.
• Bespoke technology-agnostic solutions with product development capabilities.
• Depth and breadth of experience and capabilities in mechanical, thermofluid, and structural design, analysis, validation, and verification.
• A high R&D-to-revenue ratio.
• Participation in innovation and research groups to remain at the leading edge.
“These include mechanical, thermofluid, and structural design, analysis, validation, and verification, so our clients can confidently make informed decisions,” Vazey details.
The company’s verification, validation, and correlation of designs through computational simulations and focused data acquisitions can help to optimise mines.
enable improved efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY IN AUSTRALIAN MINES
Recently, Vazey and the EngAnalysis team undertook a local project in which a mine was experiencing faults in critical machinery at its processing plant, resulting in operational delays and unplanned downtime.
“We also work to reduce over-engineering and minimise unnecessary expenses from a procurement and maintenance perspective,” he continues. EngAnalysis’ approach aligns closely with the findings of a recent McKinsey report, which emphasises the implementation of sensors and machine learning (ML) in mines to
To address the issue, EngAnalysis surmised that it needed to address the root cause of the machinery failure and devise an effective repair plan that could be closely monitored.
In this way, Vazey and the team developed a monitoring system for the machinery, which utilised specialised software to record structural stresses and identify operational cycles.
“OUR OVERALL APPROACH ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES WITH THE DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, STRUCTURAL CAPACITY, AND OPERATION OF CLIENTS’ MAJOR ENGINEERING ASSETS”
– JOHN VAZEY, ENGINEERING MANAGER, ENGANALYSIS
POE accelerometer
“We were able to immediately analyse the data for potential issues such as overloading or uneven loading.”
The company also developed metrics on the machinery’s performance, fatigue, and deterioration, which enabled engineers to track data trends and determine when intervention might be necessary.
“With our insight, mine operators will be able to halt operations to adjust the load on equipment, preventing structural failures and potentially lengthy periods of downtime,” he reveals.
INFORMED INNOVATION
Eventually, a new machinery design for the mine was devised, informed by the data collected by EngAnalysis.
The new machinery included strain gauges and measurement tools to monitor its performance over a set period of time.
The data gathered was then used to conduct a fatigue assessment and predict the equipment’s overall operational lifespan.
“The strain measurements in this process enabled us to characterise the process behaviours that had originally led to failures and unwanted downtime,” Vazey asserts.
Therefore, EngAnalysis has been able to provide the mining industry with the confidence that new equipment designs will have an adequate lifespan.
“In the long term, this will enhance a mine’s overall productivity and reduce maintenance costs,” he concludes.
A structural monitoring dashboard enables a comprehensive project overview
COAL TAKING PRIDE IN
Fresh from hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event in Brisbane, Grant Wechsel, Chairman of Mining Pro, updates us on the recent progress of the industry and how the event continues to grow
Writer: Jack Salter
Grant Wechsel, Chairman, had the honour of hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event on Thursday 8th August, presented by Mining Pro and Coal Australia.
Mining Pro provides production and operational support services for the mining industry in Australia. Working with major clients including Coronado Global Resources and Stanmore Resources, the company executes operational mining plans that allow its client partners to focus on running safe, productive, and profitable mining operations.
The latest Coal Industry Event was again held in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, a state endowed with diverse coal, mineral, petroleum, and coal seam gas reserves.
Once more, the event got the mining sector together to openly celebrate the enormous benefits that it provides to Queensland and Australia as a whole, network with industry colleagues, and listen to an insightful and engaging panel discussion on hot topics.
Those in attendance shared an enthusiasm to stand up for the industry and restore pride in what coal mining does for the country.
Mining Outlook (MO): Why is the coal industry so vitally important to Australia, and in particular the communities and economies of Queensland and New South Wales?
GW: The coal industry is vitally important to the Australian economy, jobs, and regional communities. Coal contributed just under AUD$100 billion to the economy in 2023, which is more than the revenue created from international tourism, beef and wheat exports, and international students combined.
MO: How has the coal industry in Australia developed since we last covered Mining Pro’s Coal Industry Event in October 2023?
GW: The support for our industry has grown, with people speaking out and showing pride in the industry. The formation of Coal Australia, an industry body representing the major coal mining companies of Australia, has given a formal voice to the industry. Coal Australia joined Mining Pro as the event’s co-presenting partner for 2024.
MO: Can you provide some key details about the recent 2024 Coal Industry Event presented by Mining Pro? How did the event celebrate the enormous contribution the coal industry makes to Australia?
GW: Firstly, we heard from Nick Jorss, Chairman of Coal Australia, about their plans to win back the hearts and minds of the public regarding coal mining in the country. I also launched Jobs for Mining Communities, a new initiative shining a light on the importance of mining jobs to our regional communities. We’ve
additionally enlisted the help of rugby league legends, Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus, for an upcoming media campaign. Finally, in front of a packed room, there was a panel discussion to close out the evening.
MO: Who were some of the key panellists at the event, and what key factors affecting the industry were covered in the panel discussion that you moderated?
GW: This year’s panel also featured Senator Susan McDonald, Ian MacFarlane, and Nick Rees, who covered topics such as
the importance of coal mining to Australia, coal royalties and government engagement, coal as part of the energy mix, and the investment outlook for coal. Our fantastic panel members provided hard-hitting and insightful comments.
MO: As the moderator of the panel discussion, what was a personal highlight of yours from the evening?
GW: As Senator Susan McDonald said on the evening, “united we stand”. The coming together of a wonderful group of panellists and audience members, all speaking up so strongly
for our industry, was a personal highlight.
MO: Finally, how did the 2024 Coal Industry Event compare to the previous edition in 2023, and are you excited about the future of the event?
GW: We needed a much bigger room in 2024, not only because of the volume of guests, but also the key support of MPs and senators in the room, which was noted and appreciated by all in attendance. The event in 2025 will no doubt be even bigger and better.
REVOLUTIONARY REPURPOSING
Dr Peter Whitbread-Abrutat, Founder of Future Terrains, believes that when a mine closes, it shouldn’t become a scar on the landscape or a source of pollution. Instead, with imagination and determination, ex-mine sites can offer hope for future generations
Writer: Dr Peter Whitbread-Abrutat,
Founder, Future Terrains
Mines have finite lives, but their legacies, good or bad, can persist for many years.
The reputation of a mining company can be forged or damaged by how well they close their mines. In some jurisdictions, even where a mine is closed in compliance with regulatory requirements, the resulting landscape is of little benefit to the lives of local people or surrounding ecologies.
Then, there is the vexing issue of what to do with the legacy of abandoned mines, which often impact landscapes and communities.
We already know how to do things better; there are a wealth of ingenious ways that old mine sites have been reinvented to rebuild ecological integrity and enhance the lives of the people connected with them.
One celebrated example is the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. Created in a repurposed 180-year-old china clay quarry, it has become a successful environmental and educational attraction.
This engine for socioeconomic renewal has generated £2 billion of value for the local economy since it opened in 2001. Critically, the people involved in its development came from outside the mining sector.
Dr Peter Whitbread-Abrutat
ABOUT DR WHITBREAD-ABRUTAT
Dr Whitbread-Abrutat is the Founder of Future Terrains, a social enterprise with a mission to tackle the challenge of degraded lands by enhancing environmental and social performance and promoting landscape restoration.
He is an environmental specialist with over 25 years of diverse experience in natural resources management and sustainable development.
Having studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge and earned a PhD in the revegetation of mine wastes from the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines, Dr Whitbread-Abrutat has been involved with, and researched some of, the world’s most significant landscape restoration projects.
He was a key member of the team that created the transformational Eden Project in Cornwall and continued working at the site in a variety of positions for 12 years.
He is the co-author of 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground, published by the Eden Project, which explores the world’s best and most unusual ways of dealing with former mining and associated industrial sites.
PARADIGM SHIFT
As investors and society increasingly push the mining sector towards environmental and social responsibility, including during a mine’s closure, the language associated with this process is evolving.
Phrases such as social transition or just transition, or nature-positive and nature-based solutions, describe progressive approaches far from traditional closure and more towards transition. Often, this involves recouping costs at the end of a mine’s life.
During transition, a mine doesn’t technically close, but catalyses the availability of new assets and resources such as mine water, buildings and infrastructure available for repurposing, new mineral resources from old waste, cheap energy, and repaired land to stimulate new socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural growth after mineral extraction has ended.
In some parts of the mining world, there has been a paradigm shift in action. As society’s interest in a greener future grows, so too do the opportunities to reuse mine infrastructure, such as for the generation and storage of renewable energy.
Open pits of the closed Kidston Gold Mine in Queensland, Australia, for instance, are being re-engineered into a major pumped storage hydro project.
Meanwhile, old mine buildings at the closed Lisheen Mine in County Tipperary, Ireland are being re-purposed into an innovative hub that utilises renewable wind energy to stimulate a new bioeconomy.
Moreover, the structures of the Zollverein Coal Industrial Complex in Germany’s Ruhr district have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and converted into a centre for cultural reflection, including the Ruhr Museum, a swimming pool, and
“A MINE’S CLOSURE SHOULD NOT BE THE END OF THE STORY, BUT HERALD A VIBRANT NEW CHAPTER”
–
DR PETER WHITBREAD-ABRUTAT, FOUNDER, FUTURE TERRAINS
events space. The site is also used for ice-skating during the winter months.
Just outside Newcastle in Northeast England, a coal mine overburden site has been transformed into stunning land art of a lady in repose, known as Northumberlandia or the Lady of the North.
Now a public open space and nature park with educational and recreational facilities, this site
perfectly reflects how a mine site can be transformed into something environmentally regenerative.
ALTERNATIVE USES OF MINES
Acid waters emanating from operational, closed, or abandoned mines can present issues for the global mining industry.
Yet, some see creative value in this contamination. For example,
Professors of Art and Engineering at Ohio University in the US have developed high-quality paint pigments from the acid that seeps from abandoned coal mines.
Moreover, mining landscapes and underground locations are more frequently being utilised for producing and storing food.
The Fontina Cheese Cooperative in the Italian Alps, for instance, matures thousands of truckles of cheese in the galleries of an abandoned copper mine.
At the same time, in Ghana, an agroforestry system has been developed atop a gold tailings storage facility (TSF), benefitting the local agricultural landscape.
In some cases, a hands-off approach may be most appropriate to enable a gradual, natural, and ecological recovery. For example,
“AS INVESTORS AND SOCIETY INCREASINGLY PUSH THE MINING SECTOR TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, INCLUDING DURING A MINE’S CLOSURE, THE LANGUAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROCESS IS EVOLVING”
– DR PETER WHITBREAD-ABRUTAT, FOUNDER, FUTURE TERRAINS
Germany’s Sielmann Natural Landscape in Brandenburg, which is situated on thousands of hectares of a former surface lignite mine, contains natural landscapes and hiking areas with little human intervention.
ANTICIPATING THE AFTERMATH
How communities and other stakeholders participate in dialogues surrounding what happens to their societies and lands is fundamental, although this work can often prove difficult or time-consuming.
For example, immersive community
workshopping in defunct German lignite pits , transparency and trust-building at the Beenup Mine in Western Australia (WA), trialling new underground technology at Canada’s Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT ), or new careers in mine restoration for the Banjima people in WA are all instances of community development.
This brief insight into the creative and imaginative uses of old mine sites celebrates ingenuity in the mining sector.
As such, wherever mining takes
place, solutions for its aftermath must be put forward when the mine is conceived instead of being left to chance.
A VIBRANT NEW CHAPTER
When it comes to the repurposing of mines, challenges can arise, primarily concerning perspective, willingness, and communication.
These obstacles can be overcome by considering a mine site not as a problem to fix, but as an opportunity to nurture, whilst learning from existing successes to avoid
A successful response to the concept of an inactive mine is one that challenges convention. At the same time, collaboration, knowledge, and choices should be seen as currency with which progress can be acquired.
Common attributes signpost the path to advancement, including science-based problem-solving, constructive legislation, available funding, leadership, and a critical mass of the right people thinking positively in the same place at the same time, looking in one direction,
and speaking the same language.
A group of people with a good idea and the wherewithal to realise an opportunity can drive astonishing progress.
There is a valuable lesson here – innovation is encouraged by inclusivity and collaboration. Solutions can often be found by looking beyond the conventional cast of engineers and environmental managers when it comes to devising ideas to repurpose an old mine.
Finally, any landscape tells a unique story of interaction between countless generations and their lands. The mining landscape we experience today is just one chapter in a lengthy narrative, whilst the opening of a new mine can foretell another instalment in the tale.
As such, a mine’s closure should not be the end of the story, but herald a vibrant new chapter.
Gemstones are one of the many ores recovered by mining. We cast our eye on emeralds as a delicate but valuable commodity within the industry
Writer: Rachel Carr
CITIES
During the age of antiquity, green gems originally discovered in Egypt were thought to be emeralds, however, there is a possibility they were peridots as knowledge at the time was limited.
The famous Egyptian emerald mines, otherwise known as Cleopatra’s emerald mines, were the primary source of the gemstones until deposits were located in the Americas in the 16th century.
Emeralds were mined from 2000 BCE in Sikait and Zabara, about 40 square miles east of Egypt’s inhospitable desert region between the Nile and the Red Sea. The mines are now depleted, so another source was found in Austria and mined by the Romans, but they are no longer commercially viable.
Luckily, there are now many operable locations around the world.
MINING MAP
Far to the west, it is Colombia that supplies around 90 percent of the world’s emeralds from three of its
mines: Chivor, Muzo, and Coscuez.
The remaining 10 percent comes from other geographically and culturally diverse places, including Zambia, the second largest supplier, with Brazil placed as the third largest. Other destinations include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Australia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and the US.
The techniques used to extract these exquisite emeralds have evolved over time, from strip mining in the 16th century to open pit and terrace mining which are commonplace today.
The vast majority of gems are found in the primary deposits of the host rock, and few are found in secondary deposits.
Chivor, 75 kilometres northeast of Bogotá, is the only privately owned pit, whereas the other two mine sites are on long-term leases from the Colombian government to seperate companies. This includes Colombian Emerald Exports, a business established in 2011, that is involved with the extraction and trading of all three mine locations.
“THE TECHNIQUES USED TO EXTRACT THESE EXQUISITE EMERALDS HAVE EVOLVED OVER TIME, FROM STRIP MINING IN THE 16TH CENTURY TO OPEN PIT AND TERRACE MINING, WHICH ARE COMMONPLACE TODAY”
Elsewhere, the most recent discovery of emerald deposits took place in the Julian mining district of Southern California. The first lode mining claim was filed here in 1870, just after the initial gold rush, but the emeralds that were recently unearthed here have now expanded the gemstone’s mining map even further.
FUTURE OF EMERALD MINING METHODS
Concerned with the ecology of the Muzo and Chivor mining areas, efforts are underway to shift from strip to underground mining. In 1996, Canadian company Chivor Emerald Corporation Limited started working in the mines with sophisticated computer-aided mining methods.
Today, mining and marketing company, FURA Gems, is set on introducing modern mining methods in Coscuez, as Colombian emeralds
are becoming more difficult to find. The global mining company has started to use artificial intelligence
FUN FACTS
• Elon Musk’s family owned a stake in an emerald mine in Zambia
• Bluish green to pure green is the most desirable emerald colour
• Emeralds are sought after thanks to the green colour and relative rarity
• The best gem-quality cuts come from the Muzo area of Colombia
(AI) rather than legacy technology in mineral exploration, mechanising its processes to a degree that is unprecedented in mining history.
The scientific identification of gem deposits will minimise the carbon footprint and protect the natural environment, while also increasing productivity. As the retrieval of emeralds can prove difficult since they are embedded in rocks, sometimes among layers of mica schist, open pit mining is one way to harvest the emeralds as the surface is blasted with water to reveal viable rock.
Another method, which is used for extraction in Colombia, is terrace mining, with tunnel mining as the final process to find a vein of emerald-bearing rock. It has been known for people in Brazil to dig tunnels in their backyards and lower miners down on ropes if emeralds
are rumoured to be close enough to the surface. However, blasting is not a desirable choice for mining emeralds; it requires more delicate work as the gemstones can be close to the surface and may be hidden by other minerals.
SUCCESSFUL STONES
The extraction of emeralds was taking place long before mechanised mining. Since 1928, Zambia has been significant within the emerald industry, increasing commercial production in the 1970s. The emeralds in Zambia are less fragile due to the
high iron content.
The highest price ever paid for a Zambian emerald is USD$1.04 million in 2021. Emeralds remain in the top four investments, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, although an emerald’s value can vary according to its hue, colour shade, and saturation.
In 2008, Africa-focused British mining company Gemfields claimed an open pit mine at Kagem in Zambia, with ownership split between the company and the government at 75 to 25 percent respectively. It was then
turned into a profitable concern, and Gemfields found the largest emerald ever mined, having recently auctioned the Kafubu Cluster from the Kagem mine – at 187,775 carats – fetching USD$30.8 million in revenue and weighing 37,555 grams.
The third biggest emerald mining country, Brazil, mines emeralds in four of its states – Ceará, Bahia, Goiás, and Minas Gervais.
The country produces beryl varieties in addition to emeralds. In fact, it has more tourmaline resources than anything, and any green gems, including tourmaline, discovered before the 19th century were classified as “emeralds”.
Synthetic emeralds are expensive to produce, due to the cost of the equipment and the slow, energyintensive process, meaning that lab-created emeralds will not yield as much value as a mined gem.
The pursuit of emeralds, the world’s most popular green gem, continues to thrive as a prosperous sector of the global mining industry.
SPOTLIGHT ON MINING IN BOTSWANA
Botswana’s mining and exploration industry is a primary sector that has spearheaded the national economy since the 1970s. We dive head-first into the internationally recognised industry to learn about its admirable history and plans for a prosperous future
Currently one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, averaging approximately five percent growth per annum over the past 10 years, Botswana’s impressive standing is primarily due to its mining and exploration industry.
Mining activities here have been taking place since the 19th century with the advent of the gold rush in the northern part of the country. Since then, the industry has come to dominate Botswana’s national economy and is anticipated to sustain it even further into the future.
Despite the country’s mining sector being hit hard
during the COVID-19 pandemic due to performance being tied to global demand, it continues to be an international stalwart, bringing in approximately one-third of total revenues and 80 percent of foreign exchange earnings.
Botswana’s mining industry is primarily dominated by diamonds, as it is currently the world’s largest producer by value and the second largest by volume.
While it is best known for its robust and lucrative gemstone mining endeavours, the country also produces copper, nickel, silver, coal, manganese, soda ash, gold, granite, and other semi-precious stones alongside its
untapped uranium, lead, and zinc reserves.
Revenues from diamond mines, combined with sound economic policies, have helped to build infrastructure and keep the economy stable, allowing Botswana to be one of the few sub-Saharan African countries that has rapidly benefitted from its mineral wealth.
Since independence in 1966, Botswana’s transformation into a middle-income country, substantial reduction in poverty, and improvement in overall living standards have been remarkable.
This successful transformation is credited to the
country’s prudent and transparent management of its mining revenues, allowing it to be consistently ranked among the top global 50 countries in terms of governance and contribute to significant savings which can stabilise the economy in case of emergencies and be used for future investments and generations.
The mining industry remains one of the main drivers of economic activity in the country and is poised to further Botswana’s prosperity and international recognition as it prepares to continue making waves in the sector.
INTERVIEW:
BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF
Established to serve the interests of the nation’s mining and exploration companies, together with associated industries, the Botswana Chamber of Mines boasts a proud history of helping to drive economic success. We speak to Charles Siwawa, CEO, to learn more about the organisation’s formation and plans for a collaborative and diverse future
With the objective of promoting and protecting the interests and image of the mining industry, the Botswana Chamber of Mines was formed in 1986 to serve the national mining houses and influence policy decisions and strategic intents within the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and related bodies.
Today, with a variety of registered members and companies, the organisation is proud to be a respectful, effective, and unified voice for the mining industry that works to educate and share knowledge with its dedicated stakeholders and ultimately represent the shared interests
OF MINES
and needs of the internationally prominent mining industry.
Mining Outlook (MO): Firstly, could you explain the origins of the Botswana Chamber of Mines – when was it founded and what was your initial vision?
Charles Siwawa, CEO (CS): The Botswana Chamber of Mines was formed in the early 1980s with the idea of looking at our mining processes and, in particular, focusing on the safety and health of employees. As a country, we had just started mining 10 to 15 years
Botswana Chamber of Mines facts and figures
• Established in 1986
• 36 registered members
• 10 mining companies
• 13 exploration companies
• Six contractors
• 13 suppliers
earlier, so ensuring the utmost health and safety of employees was an issue we wanted to formally address. Therefore, the genesis of forming the Botswana Chamber of Mines was to combine all mining companies together into one collective body. We started with about four to five members, and because there were so few, we used one of the mining houses to accommodate the secretariat of the chamber.
From there, two individuals were picked from the mining houses to oversee the chamber. However, with time, there was an increase in the number of mining houses and companies in Botswana, and the issues to be discussed also grew.
We found that only two individuals in charge of the chamber were unable to adequately cope as they also had to contend with their own normal working duties. So, in 2010, the chamber decided to establish an official secretariat, which was located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. The secretariat is dedicated to running the chamber, and we have been operating this way ever since.
MO: What is your current take on mining in Botswana? Is it a particularly exciting or challenging environment to work in?
CS: There are no two days that are the same in the mining industry. It is challenging, but if you look at where we came from as a country to where we are today and the achievements that have been made, you realise that while there are some challenges, there have also been plenty of successes, especially as Botswana was the third poorest country in the world at the time of independence in 1966.
Since then, we’ve used Botswana’s mineral wealth to develop into a middle-income country, and we are trying to go even further and achieve upper middle-income status. We believe that minerals in the country will help us get there.
So, there are exciting things that we are doing which we believe can help us achieve even more based on the history we’ve had in terms of mineral development.
FRASER ALEXANDER
Mining services trusted partner with more than a century of experience
Lourens de Koning
About Fraser Alexander
Fraser Alexander is a pioneer in the mining industry and has been a trusted partner to mining Clients since 1912. Our purpose of “Transforming Mine Waste into Societal, Environmental and Economic Value” aligns us well with industry and all our stakeholders. We are the world leader in the mining service industry, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, and operate across Africa and South America with approximately 3000 employees and more than 100 operations. FA Botswana was established in 1997. Our services include re-mining of tailings, material handling, mineral processing, tailings management, and water treatment. We are the world’s leading hydro re-mining company and the largest outsourced tailings management contractor. We manage over 100 tailings storage facilities (TSFs) worldwide and process over 20 million tons per year through our mineral processing plants. We provide innovative and sustainable solutions that add value for our mining and industrial clients, and we are passionate about improving safety and minimising environmental impact in the industry through technology adoption and a high standard of services delivery.
Ongoing Projects in Botswana
We are particularly proud of the Khoemacau Copper Mine Tailings Storage facility where we undertake tailings deposition management and mechanical maintenance of the return water system on behalf of the client.
We are excited to welcome Mr Peter Phiri to the Fraser Alexander team as the Snr Business Unit Manager (Zambia & Botswana).
Peter has over 23 years of local and international experience in the mining and metals industry and holds a Bachelor of Mineral Sciences in Mining Engineering from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Copperbelt University (CBU). We are looking forward to Peter leading FA Botswana to greater heights. Peter can be reached at peterph@fraseralexander.com.
What differentiates Fraser Alexander From other businesses
We bring the right combination of more than 100 years of experience in the mining industry, meticulously selected human resources ingrained in our culture of excellence, innovation, integrity, care and teamwork, combined with the most advanced and innovative technologies in the industry. We, at Fraser Alexander, offer our clients a disruption-free day by ensuring that they comply with local and international standards as well as international best practices. We provide leading industry services through continuous investment in innovation and co-creating solutions with our clients, customised to their exact needs.
Alongside this, Fraser Alexander is working with industry leaders in finding dry tailings solutions that can offer excellent alternatives for dewatering tailings material and reducing the possibility of tailings facility disasters.
Major Challenges Faced Within the Industry
The mining industry is facing significant challenges such as economic pressures from low commodity prices and high costs, as well as socio-economic factors such as environmental and safety concerns. Fraser Alexander has overcome these by maintaining efficient and safe operations as well as supporting our employees.
Our focus on R&D and new tailings solutions resulted in improved safety measures for all stakeholders. Amid these challenges, we operate responsibly and focus on positively impacting the industry and communities where we operate. Fraser Alexander’s emphasis is on TSF management, adhering to the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) guidelines, and mitigating risks with our in-house Technical and Operational Risk Assessment System (TORAS).
The pace of innovation in the mining sector is accelerating, and with it comes new opportunities and growth.
Being over a century old, Fraser Alexander places a firm focus on health and safety, having a low impact on the environment, empowering the community in which it operates, and providing the latest technology to ensure sustainable success.
Furthermore, as an industry leader, Fraser Alexander adds value to the mining and industrial value chain and is passionate about helping its clients avoid daily disruption and maximise value. By maintaining control, visibility, and ensuring safety for all, Fraser Alexander has celebrated success with its clients as their trusted service provider and operator. Fraser Alexander’s strategy is to invest in technology, assets, and relationships that will enable it to remain a leader in facilitating the circular economy and to create value for mining communities.
MO: Please tell us more about the Botswana Chamber of Mines’ vision and purpose.
CS: The vision of the chamber is to be a united voice for the mining industry and advocate it to government and NGOs, alongside other sectors of the economy.
In so doing, we believe we will achieve our goals and make sure that the mining industry progresses in a smooth manner.
MO: How important are the values of unity, good governance, meritocracy, good corporate citizenship, and safety to the Botswana Chamber of Mines, and how do they contribute to your overall success?
CS: There are various pillars that we use to achieve these values, with the health, safety, and working environments of employees, as well as corporate social investment (CSI), of particular importance.
When we look at our figures and statistics, they indicate that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any other mining country in the world in terms of safety as we’ve managed to achieve our slogan – zero harm to employees. We fully expect our employees to go to their workstations at their various mines and return home in the same condition that
“THE VISION OF THE CHAMBER IS TO BE A UNITED VOICE FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY AND ADVOCATE IT TO GOVERNMENT AND NGOS, ALONGSIDE OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY”
– CHARLES SIWAWA, CEO, BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES
they left in. We believe all employees should feel safe while working in our mines.
We also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Botswana to establish an occupational hygiene programme that we can utilise at our mines to further enhance the health of employees.
In terms of the environment, I believe we are very much ahead. We comply with and subscribe to international environmental standards and ensure that all our mining companies comply with these regulations and expectations.
Regarding CSI, all mines run programmes within their respective communities with the intent of making a positive impact in local areas. We even look to transcend the regions within the country in terms of our CSI initiatives.
MO: How is the Botswana Chamber of Mines developing its strategy?
CS: One of the strategies we are currently looking at is a five-year plan which acknowledges that minerals will not last forever.
There will come a time when some of these minerals will be depleted; therefore, as a mineral-rich country, we’ve made the decision to utilise our combined purchasing power and establish a supplier development programme where we engage citizens to supply goods and services to our mining sector, such that we are even able to start manufacturing some of these products within the country. In doing so, we’re further diversifying the economy by creating a manufacturing base within Botswana. It’s a significant part of the strategy for us, and
we want to ensure that we supply goods and services from within the country to create employment and retain capital.
MO: How does the Botswana Chamber of Mines aim to ensure that legislation in the country is conducive for mining companies while also developing good working relationships with the legislator?
CS: Looking at the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Botswana’s mining activities and procedures over the last decade have been the best in Africa and amongst the top 10 in the world.
The survey tells us that our policies are conducive to attracting investment in mining. We are proud of this because we believe our advocacy for the mining industry is paying off.
We also know the government is keen to attract investment into the country. So, if you’re looking for a favourable mining destination, I believe Botswana is a prime option, and we’ve seen quite a significant number of companies seeking investment in our mining industry.
Whenever legislative instruments, i.e. policies and acts,
“WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR FIGURES AND STATISTICS, THEY INDICATE THAT WE STAND SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH ANY OTHER MINING COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF SAFETY AS WE’VE MANAGED TO ACHIEVE OUR SLOGAN –ZERO HARM TO EMPLOYEES”
– CHARLES SIWAWA, CEO, BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES
are being made or reviewed in the country, the chamber gets involved in an effort to assist in drafting legislation that will be user-friendly to the members.
MO: How do you play a strategic role in promoting the mining industry’s socioeconomic progress?
CS: This is one pillar that we believe will assist the mining industry in investing in the principle of social license to operate. We engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and encourage all mining houses and companies to participate in them.
Each mining house publicises what they’re doing for the local communities they work in. It’s very strategic, and some of the projects we see involve the community on a short, medium, and even long-term basis.
At the end of the day, there is a significant contribution made by the companies themselves in terms of ensuring that the communities that surround their mining operations are assisted with different initiatives and benefits.
MO: Can you outline your strategy map and what it entails for the collective interests of Botswana mining industry?
CS: Our strategy as a chamber is to fully cooperate on all issues and future projects.
There are issues that we believe the government should manage, and there are issues that we believe the industry should resolve itself.
For example, Botswana does not currently have a hazardous waste landfill site. We export our hazardous waste outside the country, but we’ve now realised that it is time to construct this facility ourselves.
We engaged the government to initiate this project, in particular the acquisition of land. As the private sector, we went ahead and said we are going to create this hazardous waste landfill site in this country, and we’re currently handling the processes through a project involving all members one way or the other.
We’ve secured the land, and we’re now doing an environmental impact assessment. We believe that we’ll be able to start construction on this site by the end of the year.
This collaborative effort by all the mining houses showcases our ability and desire to work cohesively as a team.
MO: How will the Botswana mining industry continue to remain the main driver of economic activity and sustain the future of the economy?
admin@medupimining.com
CS: Firstly, we need to generate the ability to create more mines. We plan to do so by exploring for more minerals with our very strong and robust mineral exploration programme that is currently ongoing. We believe we’ll find even more minerals in this country than we’ve done in the past.
We’re also trying to get more people involved in the supply chains of mining companies and ensure that the industry continues to grow.
If the supply base is there, and delivery is both time and cost-effective, you’ll see our industry grow a lot larger than what it is at the moment.
MO: Finally, what are the goals and priorities of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, and what strategies will you employ to facilitate and implement them?
CS: First and foremost, our goal is to look after the employees of the mining industry. We have to ensure safety across the organisation is maintained and taken care of. We have a robust programme that ensures that the safety of our employees is done appropriately, and there’s no exception. Whenever we see a member not pulling their weight in terms of the safety programme, we approach them and redress the shortfall.
Secondly, the health of our employees is important
Lucient Engineering and Construction builds, assembles, repairs and maintains heavy duty industrial plant and machinery.
Our Purpose To lead the transformation of Africa through engineering
Our Vision To build a world-class African organisation capable of transforming our continent and the lives of our people.
because some occupational diseases are latent in nature. In other words, somebody could be working for an organisation, but you could then find out 10 years later, after they’ve left, that they’ve contracted a disease, so you want a programme that is available to prevent this type of scenario.
When tackling employee health in the past, we focused on curing diseases, but we believe that what we need to do is look at the preventative arena and try to prevent employees from contracting diseases in the first place; this is really the strategy that we are aiming to take forward. It is a difficult space to work in but with concerted efforts we can achieve our goals.
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PERFECTING THE PROCESS
Vulcan Mozambique stands stoically as its nation’s largest and most successful mining company, having established itself amongst the most wellrenowned and prominent employers in the country. We dig deeper into its environmental initiatives and exceptional work at the Moatize coal mine with CEO, Dr. Mukesh Kumar
Writer: Ed Budds Project Manager: Joshua Mann
Proudly shining as its nation’s largest business and the responsible operator of the impressive Moatize coal mine, is Vulcan Mozambique (Vulcan), a fully-owned subsidiary of Vulcan International.
Like the mighty god of flames, patron of the fire of volcanoes, deserts, metalworking, and the forge in ancient Roman religion and myth, Vulcan, like its mythic namesake, has forged and sculpted an enviable reputation within the African mining sector, flying the flag proudly for Mozambique.
Founded in 2010, IRISS-FAST has since had a clear vision: to meet the demands of professionals and continue to be a reference in the industrial fastening sector. Its successful trajectory began in Luanda, but it quickly gained a foothold throughout the Angolan market. With an approach centered on quality and customer satisfaction, offering a wide range of products from prestigious international brands, IRISS-FAST soon made a name for itself in the market, becoming a preferred choice among professionals in the field.
But IRISS-FAST’s ambition pointed to greater horizons. And in 2014, the company began a process of expantion, its presence and its brands into other African markets. This strategic move was carefully planned and executed, taking into account the specific opportunities and challenges of each region. The next stage of this expansion journey began in Mozambique. With facilities strategically located in Maputo, Nacala and Pemba, IRISS-FAST has earned the trust and credibility of the market, building a solid, strong and respectful client base that is constantly growing.
Logistics, which are crucial to the success of international operations, are coordinated from Portugal, guaranteeing an efficient supply chain. The communication strategy is guaranteed by the same team, developing marketing materials and visual communication adapted to each type of market, resulting in the consolidation of the IRISS-FAST brand.
Fixing Solutions
IRISS-FAST stands out for a comprehensive presence in the market and the professional offer it provides. Their commitment to excellence is evident in all areas of its operation. The company has an exceptional relationship with Vulcan, which includes the Northern Development Corridor (CLN), and Nacala Integrated Logistics Corridor (CDN), suppling this partnership with a wide range of materials, such as power tools, silicones, screws, among others.
Customer offer: IRISS-FAST prioritizes providing customers with the best products and solutions at competitive prices. Always at the cutting edge of innovation, it frequently updates its product portfolio with the latest and most proven solutions.
Quality Services: IRISS-FAST guarantees excellence in both its products and services. Its efficient structure maintains high quality standards, from pre-sales service to after-sales support, with a dedicated team ready to offer technical guidance and personalized assistance.
Notable Projects: Since its foundation, IRISS-FAST has had the privilege of being involved in the construction of important national projects, supplying products of superior quality and technical expertise, guaranteeing efficiency and safety, resulting in recognition and notoriety.
Av. Karl Marx, nº 787 - R/C Bairro Central Maputo, Moçambique +258 846 823 276 maputo@mz.iriss-fast.com
Social Responsibility: In addition to its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, IRISS-FAST has also responded in terms of social responsibility. Recognizing the importance of this concept as an agent of positive change in the communities where it operates, the company is committed to creating local jobs, contributing to training national talent and investing in the educational, cultural and economic development of its employees’ future.
Nacala, Moçambique
Rua de Mogás, Talhão A21/22 Edifício Semedo Bizarro Armazém 4 e 5 Nacala(porto), Moçambique +258 858 002 844 nacala@mz.iriss-fast.com
Rua de Mogás, Talhão A21/22 Edifício Semedo Bizarro Armazém 4 e 5 Nacala(porto), Moçambique +258 858 002 844 nacala@mz.iriss-fast.com
Pemba, Moçambique
Pemba, Mozambique
Pemba, Moçambique Porto, Portugal
Pemba, Moçambique Porto, Portugal
Summarizing, IRISS-FAST is more than just a leading company in the industrial fastening sector; it is an example of excellence, social commitment and corporate responsibility.
Porto, Portugal
Rua da Cavda nº 72 4590 - 5549 Paços de Ferreira + 351 255 096 791 ventas@iriss-fast.com
As a crucial part of this worldwide venture, Vulcan is not only a mining specialist but is committed to the growth and development of Mozambique, focusing on driving innovation, efficient production, and most importantly, valuing its people.
“Africa is a land of opportunities and has vast untapped potential. However, large exploration efforts are needed to map its obvious geological potential” introduces CEO, Dr. Mukesh Kumar.
“Some of the world’s largest and best reserves of various metals like copper, aluminium, lithium, niobium, uranium, tantalum, vanadium, titanium, manganese, and graphite are all available in Africa,” he sets out.
Following its recent acquisition of the Moatize coal and corridor logistics operations, Vulcan is strategically
positioned to achieve optimal production capacity in the near future.
This is exemplified by its consistent monthly production of over one million tonnes (t) of coal since June 2022.
This impressive upward trajectory is attributable to astute investments in production and maintenance processes, coupled with favourable market prices across the industry. As a result, Vulcan has emerged as the leading exporter in the mining sector within the East African country.
Besides its exceptional coal mining industry, Mozambique is rich in natural resources, biologically and culturally diverse, and boasts a tropical climate.
Its extensive coastline fronts the Mozambique Channel, which separates mainland Africa from the island of Madagascar, and offers some of the continent’s best natural harbours.
These ports have afforded Mozambique an important role in the maritime economy of the Indian Ocean, while the nation’s gorgeous white sand beaches are a vital and vibrant attraction for the growing tourism industry.
Abundant, fertile soil in the northern and central areas of the country has yielded varied and abundant agriculture, whilst the mighty Zambezi River provides ample water for irrigation and the basis for a regionally important hydroelectric power industry.
SETTING NEW BENCHMARKS
Now existing as a truly global mining company, Vulcan demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community well-being through its work at one of Africa’s largest coal mines.
“The justification for our existence is to offer unique solutions to persistent engineering problems encountered on a day today running of business”
INSTALLATION
Our engineers are available to supervise the client’s personnel and help them install or work on products.
MAINTENANCE
We repair pumps and help with troubleshooting. Our engineers also help with value engineering on useful equipment
PROJECTS
Our engineers can help in project management especially water and sewage treatment plants
COST-EFFECTIVE INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
We pride ourselves in providing the best, cost effective solution to your projects, capcitated by the use of our skilled Engineers and state of the art technology
ROBUST INVENTORY OF PRODUCTS
We have a wide range of products, which range from pumps which utilized different forms of energy,, electrical motors and transformars, industrial steel and industrial ceramics
The business leverages cuttingedge technology and efficient logistics for operational excellence, upholding recognised sustainability practices to reduce global warming and promote responsible environmental stewardship.
As a trailblazer in the vast African mining industry, the company aspires to set new benchmarks for excellence and responsible business practices, driven by its unwavering dedication to philanthropic initiatives that foster community development at the heart of the company’s core values.
Furthermore, Vulcan is not only a prominent mining company but is also well known for being the largest employer in Mozambique, creating
hundreds of jobs annually, with a focus on opportunities for young people in technical, operational, and administrative roles.
Meanwhile, as an equal opportunities company, Vulcan prioritises diversity, inclusivity, and workplace safety to foster a successful professional career for all its people.
In this way, Vulcan’s employees are vital to its success, and the company values their energy and innovative ideas. This aligns with Vulcan’s company-wide goal to cultivate an engaged, talented, and motivated workforce that will drive the growth and success of the entire business, setting new industry standards for future generations.
“We believe in empowering our people so that our operations are self-driven and require limited intervention from management. No change is impossible if your team is standing with you, and I am proud of my employees who show extreme ownership and dedication in every part of our activities,” Kumar excites.
“Our goal is to cultivate an engaged, talented, and motivated workforce that will drive the growth and success of the company, setting new industry benchmarks for future generations,” he continues.
“We feel proud to be part of the Mozambique growth story and are making efforts to increase our contribution further.”
“CUSTOMISED LOGISTICS IDEAS” – That is the driving concept and philosophy behind our company and what our company name stands for – C L I. For any task that requires an exceptional level of sensitivity, professionalism and trust, you are in the right hands with CLI. We implement transport and logistics solutions that precisely match your business and your customers’ requirements.
Do you want to transport complete industrial plants, mining equipment or machinery weighing many tonnes, wind power turbines or sensitive goods? Our comprehensive specialist knowledge, country-specific know-how and direct line to authorities pave the way for demanding, large-scale projects that require high levels of skill and experience.
CLI is the ideal service partner for mine operators, machine and plant manufacturers, heavy industry and any other company that has to ship into or from remote parts of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
CLI has been chosen by Vulcan Mozambique for this very reason. Since 2019 CLI has been a key partner and contracted logistics operator based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our team of professionals work closely together to plan, optimise and execute the worldwide inbound logistics requirements for the mine and the terminal operations in Nacala.
From our logistics hub in the east of Johannesburg, we offer the following bespoke services:
• Worldwide airfreight services
• Worldwide seafreight services – FCL, LCL or breakbulk
• Air or Sea Charters
• Roadfreight for normal or abnormal cargo
• Bonded Storage in Johannesburg with Removal in Transit to anywhere in Africa
• Customs Clearance
• Purchase Order line-item checking, counting and verification
Freight Costs form a large part of the overheads of any mine operating in Africa. Spare parts for machinery, equipment, pumps, construction materials, even stationery generally have to be shipped in from far away, often imported from origins across the world. If orders can only be verified for correctness and completeness once the goods arrive at the mine, the logistics costs have already been incurred even for incorrectly supplied materials, which would need to either be accepted or shipped back.
CLI has implemented a very important add-value service to our mining customers. If orders can be verified at origin to ensure correct and complete supply, the freight costs to the mine are then only incurred for verified orders.
Inbound shipments are consolidated to maximise transport efficiency and lower overall cost per shipment allowing reduction in total logistics costs. Suppliers are able to react much quicker and more effectively should errors in supply have occurred. Valuable time is saved and Customer Satisfaction is improved.
For mines, business customers or end users, partial or full loads, project or general cargo, we have the right transport solution in our range for all large and small shipping tasks.
MOATIZE COAL MINE
Moatize is the principal town and administrative centre of the Moatize District in Tete Province.
Located on the eastern side of the Zambezi River at the confluence of the Moatize and Revuboe Rivers, it is the second largest urban area by population in Western Mozambique.
The Moatize coal mine concession is located 17 kilometres (km) northwest of the provincial capital of Tete along the Zambezi River, 180km southwest of the Cahora Bassa reservoir and 80km south of the border with Malawi.
Today, the vast 25,000 hectare mine site is one of Vulcan’s main assets in the area and presents differentials that place it in a prominent position in the world market, with estimated resources of over 1.5 billion t.
“Vulcan is going to play a major role in the future of our industry, as the type of coal available in our mines
THE MOATIZE COAL MINE IN NUMBERS
The impressive Moatize coal mine, operated by Vulcan, now boasts an impressive annual capacity of raw coal thanks to its state-of-the-art processing methods.
• 52 million t – The total capacity of raw coal produced per year.
• 8,000t - The plant is comprised of eight modules, each capable of feeding 1,000t of coal per hour.
• Zero discharge with 60 percent water recycled – This includes water used in the plant’s overall operations, which is now recycled efficiently.
• 50 sprinkler systems - These have been implemented to avoid particulate emissions.
is unique because of its low volatile matters and is available in very limited countries,” Kumar acclaims.
An essential input for the transformation of iron ore into steel, the Moatize coal mine produces two types of coal – metallurgical and thermal.
The former, used in steel manufacture, is the focus of Vulcan’s operations and projects and the company’s main global export product.
Thermal coal, meanwhile, is also produced by Vulcan’s operations and is used to generate heat and power in thermoelectric plants.
The Moatize coal mine is a coking coal mining operation, which is required for making iron and steel. The annual global demand of steel is likely to increase from its present value of 1.9 billion to around 2.5 billion by 2030, out of which nearly 70 percent shall be made using coking coal.
“As the ash in coking coal is a critical
requirement, we have set up one of the most modern coal washery operations that has a capacity of around 50 million t per year and will go through further upgrades to maintain our quality and status as the most preferred supplier,” Kumar states.
EQUIPPED TO SUCCEED
Vulcan counts on state-of-the-art technology including equipment of various types and functions, namely excavators, off-highway trucks, wheel loaders, and auxiliary equipment such as crawler tractors, motor graders, drilling machines, and tanker trucks, among others.
Within this fleet, one of the company’s most trusted pieces of machinery is the CAT 797F, which is one of the largest off-highway trucks in the coal mining industry.
A trusted vehicle present at the Moatize coal mine, it has the capacity to carry up to 364t of nominal payload.
The truck uses the biggest tyre in the world at four metres in height, while its fuel tank has a standard capacity of
3,785 litres and 4,000 horsepower.
In addition to this, Vulcan utilises the abilities of the CAT 793D, Hitachi EH5000AC-3, and the Caterpillar 6090 FS, which is the largest hydraulic excavator in the world reaching a load of 93t in each bucket pass.
Finally, Vulcan’s main loading and transport equipment is supported by auxiliary mine infrastructure
equipment such as bulldozers, motor graders, and water sprinkler trucks to keep the access routes humidified, thus greatly reducing remissions.
GROWING TOGETHER WITH THE MAMBAS
Vulcan is now proudly an official sponsor of the Mozambique national football team.
MARTIN & ROBSO Magnetite Solutions
In Mozambique's dynamic mining landscape, reliable and high-quality magnetite is essential. Martin & Robson, a global leader in magnetite solutions, is committed to empowering coal beneficiation operations with the dense media separation resources you need to succeed
Capacity: We have a milling facility capable of supplying more than 250,000 tonnes of magnetite per annum
Unrivalled Expertise: With nearly a century of experience, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in Mozambique Our team of magnetite experts will work closely with you to tailor magnetite solutions that meet your specific requirements
Quality You Can Trust: Our magnetite is among the highest quality in the world, sourced and processed with meticulous attention to particle sizing, density, and magnetic content We guarantee consistent performance and reliability to keep your operations running smoothly
Proven Track Record: We've built a reputation for excellence by partnering with coal processing operations worldwide Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering, and we're dedicated to exceeding your expectations
End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to delivery and ongoing technical assistance, we're with you every step of the way Our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to ensure your magnetite needs are met promptly and efficiently. Why Choose Martin & Robson?
Coal Preparation: Maximize your coal recovery and quality with our specialized magnetite for dense medium separation processes
Industrial Applications: Explore the diverse possibilities of magnetite in your industrial processes, including water treatment, high density concrete, ballasting applications and more
Under the inspiring slogan “Together to grow with the Mambas”, Vulcan and the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) initiated a historic sponsorship agreement in April 2024, aimed at strengthening and promoting the development of football in the country.
What Vulcan has achieved here is not isolated, but rather another big step in favour of the growth of sport in the country. Indeed, the company has been carrying out various other initiatives, such as its Community Sports Project, which focuses on teenagers and young people, as well as supporting local teams with sports equipment.
CHANGING LIVES
Vulcan seeks to establish healthy and prosperous relationships that include a range of influential actors
Decarbonisation of the Mining Fleet with ABB eMine™
Decarbonizing the mining industry requires a purposeful and practical methodology combined with an industry leading suite of solutions. This is especially important in countries throughout Africa where the considerations to convert to ‘all-electric’ mines are critical for a sustainable mining future.
ABB eMine™ focuses on supplying power directly to mining vehicles by implementing fit-for-purpose electrification to achieve the most optimized electrified process. The solution integrates energy management, peak demand management and operational management excellence for the overall purpose of improving Energy consumption within the specity mining operation.
A critical component of keeping the all-electric mine running is ensuring that the equipment performs consistently and that trucks can charge when required. ABB provides charging station infrastructure as an engineered solution to meet the needs of modern mining operations. ABB eMine™ FastCharge is vehicle type and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agnostic by supporting an interoperable approach based on proven standards to provide a reliable way to charge battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
In regions where underground mining is prominent, the company’s FastCharge solutions are further enhanced by integrating their Short Interval Control (SIC) digital solution. This synergy of electrification and digitalization has completely changed the efficiency with which underground operations are managed.
Interest in ABB eMine™ Trolley System is also increasing. As a testament to the harsh mining conditions required; the ABB eMine™ is implemented at a mine site 100km above the Arctic Circle where the mine’s hybrid trucks with on-board electrical systems are attached to a 700m long trolley line.
This trolley line saves approximately 830m³ diesel annually while transporting 70 million tons of ore every year and ultimately reducing the mine’s greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation by up to 80%.
ABB was responsible for the off-truck trolley assist infrastructure and provided engineering, project management, equipment supply, system commissioning and construction management for the custom designed overhead catenary system (OCS) infrastructure and 12MW of rectifier substations to power the system. This solution is monitored and controlled by the existing ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS).
Moreover, the company’s lifecycle services are tailored to the specific challenges of customers in the mining industry. Through remote services, predictive maintenance, upgrades and retrofits, ABB helps mining companies ensure maximum performance throughout the mine’s lifecycle by leveraging advanced digital mining solutions to collect and analyze mining assets and operational data. This technology backbone empowers the identification, categorization and prioritization of actions that will ultimately transition mining operations from costly and reactive time-based maintenance to planned preventive and predictive interventions.
Effective ABB eMine™ implementation requires early involvement to conduct the critical technology, economic, geographic, regulatory and cultural assessment through comparative simulations studies. These studies empower both ABB and specialty consultants to understand a particular mining operation, provide guidance for strategic project decisions, and thus customize the best fit for electrification, automation and digitalization solutions.
ABB is committed to creating sustainable progress for today and future generations by helping our mining clients through their energy transition.
in society and works to build a network of partnerships with the aim of contributing to the development and economic sustainability of the communities where it operates, therefore generating long-term value for the entire production chain.
The company does this through the promotion of dialogue and understanding, engagement and relationships with communities, and restoring livelihoods to mitigate the impacts resulting from the Moatize coal mine.
Fostering income generation and social inclusion is another way of supporting local development and transforming lives, as is Vulcan’s Agriculture Support Programme.
At present, around 1,200 families benefit from training activities within the Fazenda Modelo, located
in the Cateme locality in Moatize, where block production and horticultural techniques are taught in demonstration plots and home gardens. Certified seeds, technical assistance, production tools, and mechanised tillage are also provided by Vulcan.
The geographical area of the mine, including Moatize and Cateme, is the focus of the project, which involves hiring agricultural companies to provide inputs, technical assistance, offtake agreements, and geographical mapping to farmers.
“We are working in many areas including schools, roads, airports, mobile connectivity, health, and more, where we believe in sharing the benefits of a project with the community so that inclusive growth can be ensured,” Kumar explains.
GOING FURTHER
Vulcan’s objectives in Mozambique include creating job opportunities and supporting tax collection efforts. The company collaborates closely with local suppliers through training programmes and visits to the Moatize coal mine while also monitoring and supporting the development of national suppliers.
Additionally, Vulcan continues to recognise the crucial role of women in the development of the community. In this sense, its community programmes aim to encourage the continuity of girls’ studies in secondary school and reduce the rate of dropouts through training in vocational courses such as microfinance, entrepreneurship, cooking, cutting, and sewing.
With the support of this initiative,
Manica Freight Services (Moçambique) S.A.
– a leading logistics provider and shipping agency in Mozambique – is standing tall since its inception 130+ years ago and is a wholly-owned Mozambican company with its own fully fledged offices in all five major ports of Mozambique such as Maputo, Beira, Nacala, Quelimane, Pemba and serves Mozambique and the Southern African region with a massive, skilled, professionally-trained and well-experienced staff force.
Throughout its years of existence, Manica has seen an exponential and progressive increase in its clientele (in both forms of shipping - Liner and Tramp) and this is purely achieved by practicing great and quality customer care and providing all types of shipping solutions for ships and cargoes, be it Bulk (Wet/Dry), Breakbulk or Container in a flexible, tailor-made and transparent manner for various and diverse clients of the shipping industry with unique demands and requirements who are based locally, regionally or internationally.
The stronghold of Manica has always been that it can provide an array of services with different business verticals such as Ships agency, Clearing, Freight forwarding, Warehousing (including bagging facilities and transit-bonded zones with
Ships agency • Clearing and forwarding • Project warehousing • Tank farm • Marine division
road/rail access), Airfreight, Ship/Cargo surveys, Marine services, Project cargo handling, land transport, Oil & Gas, and Mining to name a few and all of this under “one roof “ with competitive pricing structures and covering all major ports of Mozambique as well as providing cargo solutions to/from hinterland countries in the southern African region.
Building trust, satisfaction and long-term relationships with all of its clients, Manica has always given importance a quality service offering and to this end has ensured the implementation and maintenance of ISO certified quality standards (ISO 9001;2015 and ISO 45001) thereby ensuring all its work processes are continually monitored and improved year on year. The company was the first in Mozambique to be awarded with an ISO quality standards accreditation. Manica is also a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and has facilities for Air Cargo at all major Mozambican locations.
Manica Freight Services (Moçambique) S.A. is a member of the Multiport group (the largest Shipping Agency network in the world) and is also quality certified by FONASBA – The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents,
based in UK). Manica is also TRACE certified – a globally recognised anti-bribery business association and the certification underscores Manica’s commitment to transparent commercial transactions.
When it comes to Nacala & Beira, the ports have long remained as the natural and prime gateways for Southern African region through the Nacala and Beira Corridors. With improvements being made to the road and rail infrastructures the ports would see a considerable influx of international businesses owing to the advantages that can be derived using these corridors.
In Nacala and Beira, Manica works closely with a number of major clients such as key fertiliser and grain importers, as well as sugar, granite and tobacco exporters from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. Manica is also the ships/ cargo agent for Vulcan, handling coal exports from Tete - Mozambique’s main mining province and handling Vulcan’s wagon shipments imported through Nacala port.
Manica can also offer fully equipped transit bonded warehouse space to meet customer demands for the storage of diverse cargoes destined to the hinterland.
which currently covers about 300 girls living in Moatize and Cateme, many who had dropped out of school have now returned with the ongoing support of Vulcan.
The project also educates girls about entrepreneurship and menstrual health, alongside distributing reusable menstrual kits with the aim of promoting re-integration into secondary school.
Similarly, to train young Tete residents in interpersonal and technical skills, Vulcan is implementing the Programme for Preparation for the Labour Market (PPMT).
“We want the communities around us to be in a position where their lives have improved significantly in terms of health, well-being, and livelihoods” confirms Kumar.
VULCAN’S SUSTAINABILITY PHILOSOPHY
In the Moatize industrial complex, there are 14 environmental management programmes that reflect Vulcan’s commitment to sustainability.
The key processes include:
• Management and monitoring of air quality, weather conditions, noise, vibrations, water quality, and effluents.
• Recovery of degraded areas and management of the biotic environment.
• Management of solid waste.
• Environmental training and education programmes.
A CONCEPT BEYOND PROFIT
In order for Vulcan to ensure sustainability across its entire business, it is necessary to balance the environmental, social, and economic aspects of its operations.
This entails protecting and preserving the natural environment, promoting social equity and inclusivity, and fostering economic growth that is equitable and beneficial for all stakeholders.
By striking a synergistic equilibrium among these three pillars, Vulcan aims to create a sustainable future for both current and future generations, where environmental stewardship, social wellfare, and economic prosperity can coexist and thrive in harmony.
As such, flora and fauna are a huge concern for the company, and in this sense, Vulcan employs its Biotic Environment Management Programme,
Mining Boffins is a leader in providing value-added mining equipment to our customers.
We offer a complete product range incorporating brands such as: Schneider Electric, Circuitor, ABB products, electrical and motion, Electrical panels, ACDC products, and Allight Sykes products - mobile lighting and power solutions.
Some of the clients that we supply mining equipment to include: Vulcan Mozambique, Royal Bafokeng, Impala Platinum in South Africa, and Copperbelt Mine in Zambia, to name but a few. We also provide short and long haul transportation. Our mission is simply to continue to provide quality mining equipment supplies and technical and management services to our customers. We strive to implement a long-term relationship with our clients based on safety, quality, timely service, and an anticipation of their needs.
where actions and activities are carried out to mitigate and control the impacts on the biotic environment in which the company operates.
This includes the systematic collection of the largest possible number of seeds from the areas to be mined, and the monitoring of periphytic algae and aquatic macrophytes, and more.
In addition to this, Vulcan has a robust environmental recovery plan that includes a plant nursery with a production capacity of around 60,000 seedlings per year, with the aim of recovering the mined areas and restoring the natural ecosystems and landscape in the medium and long term.
Alongside numerous examples of native species, fruit trees and shade trees are also being produced by Vulcan for educational institutions, government, and civil society that
operate in Moatize and Tete for urban afforestation.
For Vulcan, environmental education is understood as the
processes by which individuals and collectives build social values, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies towards environmental
conservation, which is essential to a healthy and sustainable quality of life.
At Vulcan, this programme aims to continue to raise awareness, educate, and empower communities and employees about the need to preserve the environment and change behaviours.
AIR AND NOISE POLUTION
Another key area of environmental stewardship that Vulcan is contending with is the management of air quality and atmospheric emissions.
To control the level of emissions from the open pit mining process, among other stages of coal processing, and comply with current legislation, Vulcan has an atmospheric emissions mitigation control system composed of water trucks and sprinkler systems.
Vulcan also has Mozambique’s only automated air quality monitoring
network, which is certified by European Union (EU) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and monitors particles, gases, and weather conditions.
In addition to preventive equipment maintenance and noise and vibration monitoring, Vulcan also prioritises environmental sustainability in its mining operations. Through careful planning and the implementation of best practices, the company strives to minimise the negative effects of mining on local ecosystems.
Finally, through regular monitoring and the assessment of noise levels and seismic vibrations, as well as taking corrective measures to reduce any potential impacts, Vulcan is proactively managing these factors and aims to ensure responsible mining practices that prioritise environmental protection and sustainability.
www.vulcaninternational.com
DEVELOPING STABILITY
Bolstering Botswana’s economy while powering the future of energy security, Maatla Resources is changing the narrative around mining with high-quality coal and sustainable operations. CEO, Jacques Badenhorst, discusses the Mmamabula coal mine site’s activities and challenges
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
Numerous dominant physical features adorn the African continent, and buried beneath them is a wealth of critical mineral commodities.
The rich reserves are scattered across the land, encompassing precious metals such as gold, copper, and iron ore, intermingled with diamonds, cobalt, bauxite, and one of its most significant and controversial exports — coal.
Therefore, the mission of Maatla Resources (Maatla) is to develop the coalfields of Mmamabula in Botswana as a mid-tier mining company, providing a stable energy source while simultaneously fuelling the economy. Indeed, Maatla is dedicated to providing sedimentary rock to enhance the country’s finances.
The company’s coal mining activities are aligned with responsible and ethical practices, whilst its
principles strictly adhere to in its approved environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Furthermore, it is not just interested in profit but will go the extra mile to collaborate and actively participate in using innovative coal technologies.
“Coal forms an integral part of Africa’s future energy security as it is an abundant, affordable source that needs to be utilised responsibly with existing clean power generation
technologies,” opens Jacques Badenhorst, CEO of Maatla.
“We want to distinguish ourselves from the traditional perception of coal miners as ‘dirty’, which will be evident in our downstream projects,” he adds.
Badenhorst is optimistic about Africa’s future in responsible mining, as he believes the continent’s primary focus on developing its economies is improving the lives of its citizens by lifting them out of poverty and ensuring a robust energy source.
“The industry thrives in its care for employment, infrastructure development, communication, and knowledge. It has become too easy to label coal and fossil fuels as ‘dirty’; organisations such as Future Coal advocate this principle, and Maatla fully supports any effort to change the narrative,” he posits.
A CHALLENGING PROCESS
Maatla was founded in 2016 after acquiring 85 percent of a prospecting
“COAL FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF AFRICA’S FUTURE ENERGY SECURITY AS IT IS AN ABUNDANT, AFFORDABLE SOURCE THAT NEEDS TO BE UTILISED RESPONSIBLY WITH EXISTING CLEAN POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES”
– JACQUES BADENHORST, CEO, MAATLA RESOURCES
license in the final part of a second renewal that was about to expire.
The original licence owners will remain 15 percent shareholders on a free-carry principle within the company until the Mmamabula coal mine is established and production commences.
The majority shareholders and development team have extensive experience in the mining industry, having developed numerous projects.
Thus, they have systematically used their knowledge and funds to progress the site to its current state.
Until 2018, the completed processes included a Competent Persons Report (CPR), EIA approval, surface rights acquisition, feasibility study, and mining license application.
“While developing the coal project, we encountered several challenges, such as securing financing and dealing with the prevailing negative
sentiment towards fossil fuels.
“We explored different funding options, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), mining contractors, and pre-offtake funding from commodity traders. However, we were unable to find anyone willing to take on the equity at the time,” Badenhorst reveals.
The delay in approving and issuing the mining license under Section 39 of Botswana’s Mines and Minerals Act was due to the requirement of a 1:3 equity-to-debt ratio on the project implementation capital expenditure (CapEx).
This, combined with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, made the process difficult. However, despite these obstacles, the team remained committed to the project and its principles.
“In the pursuit of fairness, a South African Mineral Asset Valuation (SAMVAL) was conducted, leading Maatla to secure its current majority shareholder, HMS Bergbau AG. As a result, in 2021, an appropriate equity partner and commodity trader with a global presence formed part of the team and our mining license approval,” reports Badenhorst.
THE MAATLA MINING MAP
Maatla’s mining license encompasses three areas - A, B, and C - with the first
area being the initial development site. With construction activities underway, the company is on track to begin its initial production in Q2 2025.
“Area A is conveniently situated near the village of Mookane and 20 kilometres (km) from the A1 main road corridor between Gaborone and Francis Town. Area B is near the village of Mpashalala, and Area C is close to Dovedale village and 30km from the Stockport border post,” Badenhorst outlines.
Furthermore, Mookane Coal, a company registered in Botswana, oversees construction and mine development activities and is a shareholder in Maatla.
“Mookane Coal uses Botswana citizen-owned companies as subcontractors to perform a significant portion of the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) work.
“We have appointed Trollope Mining as the contractor, and the company has a site established with a small interim team to commence with the box-cut and supply suitable material for backfilling into the processing plant area as well as the run-of-mine (ROM) ramp and wing wall.”
Throughout the construction phase, the number of individuals on-site will fluctuate between 50 and 150.
EPS-Environmental & Process Solutions
Engineering solutions for Minerals, Gas Cleaning, Energy, and Power Generation
Briefly introduce us to EPS.
EPS-Environmental & Process Solutions (EPS): The company was first registered as EPS cc in August 2005 before converting in 2008 to a company (Pty) Ltd.
The company’s each have more than 30 years of experience in the pyrometallurgical, environmental, petrochemical, and energy industries with a similar combined experience of 30 years for our senior engineers.
EPS consists of a team of chemical and mechanical engineers alongside draughtsmen and support staff based in Pretoria, South Africa. We have longstanding associations with electrical, instrumentation, civil and structural, engineers for complete design solutions.
Having an agile professional engineering team allows us to provide personalised services that cater to each client’s unique needs and preferences. Unlike larger organisations, where processes might be standardised and more
complex, we can adapt swiftly and customise our offerings. Our close-knit team fosters direct communication, ensuring we truly understand our clients’ requirements. We pride ourselves on building strong relationships and delivering quality tailored solutions.
EPS brings value to our customers in a wide range of business sectors, including minerals and metals, environmental, power generation, waste-toenergy, and gas treatment. Our engineering solutions encompass
a comprehensive range of services fitted to meet our clients’ specific needs.
EPS’ core competencies include:
• Specialist consultancy, e.g., CFD modelling, gas flow modelling, root cause analysis, and fault finding.
• Compliance assessments, e.g., hazardous area classification, HAZOP studies, major hazardous installation assessments (MHI) coordination, and pressure equipment regulations.
• Due diligence review.
• Desktop, concept, and bankable feasibility studies.
• Project development support to financial close.
• Project financing.
Some of EPS’ previous projects that
ACP heat-to-power project, which has received numerous awards for its innovative heat-to-power approach, is still in operation today producing up to five megawatts (MW) of electricity from thermal heat. The project has generated approximately 50,000 MWh since its inception. The project was a Hall of Fame Winner at the SA Innovation Awards 2015, African Energy Innovation Winner at the African Energy Awards 2016 and SANEDI RECORD/ RERE COMMERCIAL APPLICATION AWARD 2016.
• Project execution as owner’s project manager and owner’s engineer.
• EPCM and lump sum turnkey projects.
Here’s how we add value:
• Unique solutions: Every project is unique, and we thrive on innovation. Whether it’s solving complex challenges or designing custom solutions, we pride ourselves on creativity and practicality.
• Feasibility studies: We conduct feasibility studies from conceptual up to bankable studies, considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects. Our goal is to determine project viability, identify risks, and propose optimal solutions with bankable signoff.
• Detail engineering designs: Our team can provide basic engineering designs up to complete detailed engineering packages in line with industry standards. Our engineering deliverables include process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, specifications, and detailed engineering drawings up to a complete issue-for-construction (IFC) package.
EPS’s expertise includes but are not limited to:
• Pyrometallurgical industries: EPS’ roots started in the pyrometallurgy industry and include ferrochrome, ferromanganese, steel, and platinum. Our experience ranges from materials handling, sinter
that we take immense pride in include:
SA Calcium Carbide power project, where EPS completed the process and detailed engineering for the 6 MW off-gas handling system and cogeneration plant for SACC. EPS further provided procurement and installation support alongside commissioning services. The SACC project was awarded the Most Innovative African Co-Generation Project (Africa Energy Awards).
Flashback arrestor CFD simulation and 3D model
The IFM Gas to Power Project was designed and constructed to produce up to 17 MW of electricity.
plants, and smelters to gas cleaning.
• Speciality gas: With our gas cleaning background, we have completed a diverse range of gas studies and projects, from gas cleaning applications for environmental regulatory requirements to applications
Zamanco Expansion Project
EPS completed a bankable feasibility study for a Mn smelter in Zambia.
for combustible gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
• Power generation: We have a strong focus on power generation and have completed various studies and projects relating to Thermal HarvestingTM heat-to-power, gas-to-power,
Our clients include junior companies up to large companies such as Maatla Resources, Anglo Platinum, SamancorCr, and BHP Billiton (South32).
What, for you, differentiates EPS from the competition?
EPS: We have a track record for creating innovative solutions for the unique challenges that clients face, as demonstrated through our award-winning engineering and projects. We have existing relationships with most stakeholders and extensive knowledge of the core processing operations alongside gas handling circuits.
EPS is technology agnostic and selects the technologies and equipment packages that best fit the application and our clients’ requirements. This unique perspective and experience ensures our clients receive value for money on difficult solutions. Our commitment to direct interaction and personalised service creates a unique experience for our clients, fostering trust and long-lasting relationships.
Can you tell us about EPS’ mission and vision?
2 MVA DC Arc Furnace –Brazil
EPS designed, supplied, and commissioned a 2 MVA DC Arc Furnace (FeTi, FeMo, FeCr), including electrode arm and mast, copper anode, power supply and rectifier, bag filter, and related services equipment.
BHP Billiton (South32) Metalloys
EPS completed various concept studies related to Thermal HarvestingTM at the Meyerton West and South Plants, as well as the reduction of emissions and greenhouse gasses for the whole complex.
EPS: We strive to provide an optimum process solution to our clients through innovative engineering and technology applications. The EPS team are pioneers in establishing solutions to reduce carbon footprint, add value to waste streams, and power and energy consumption.
Could you elaborate on your partnership with Maatla Resources? How do the two companies mutually benefit each other, and what complementary strengths do you bring?
EPS: We have maintained a longstanding partnership with Maatla Resources, offering engineering studies and continuous support. Our collaborative efforts aim to contribute to Maatla’s success in various endeavours.
EPS and Maatla Resources are collaborating on an exciting upcoming project: a heat-to-power initiative. This innovative project aims to utilise the heat generated from Maatla’s charring plant for power generation. By harnessing this thermal energy, it can contribute to sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective electricity production.
Khumani Expansion Project
EPS completed a conceptual study and EPCM costing for a 20 million tpa iron ore crushing and screening plant.
Thermal Beneficiation Plant
precious metals refinery
EPS assisted a precious metals refinery (PMR) in implementing a thermal beneficiation plant thermally treat organic byproducts and recycle PGMs back into the process, complementing a previous project that eliminated soot emissions and reduced dioxin furan formation.
What projects or projects in the pipeline that you would like to highlight?
EPS: We are actively engaged in diverse projects, spanning power generation – waste to energy, gas cleaning, hydrogen production, and iron ore processing. However, our anticipation is highest for the upcoming collaboration with Maatla, where we will harness waste energy to generate electricity.
Ferrochrome Smelter Cogeneration Plant
Looking ahead, what are EPS’ key priorities?
EPS: Stay with our core
EPS plans to stay committed to its core, which includes flexibility, specialised engineering, and ethical and technical competence.
Life cycle optimisation
Improving life cycle and environmental footprints for our clients on their carbon emissions, legacy wastes, and energy areas of their business. This will happen through waste minimisation and dump and airspace impact reduction for mining and industrial waste, domestic waste, or coal fines by converting these to high-value commodities with economical, power generation, activated carbon, or high energy fuel value.
Focus
on waste-to-energy
With EPS’ references in this sector, it would be difficult not to focus on this for the next five to 10 years, including thermal waste heat, waste gas, MSW, biomass to landfill and liquid wastes to electrical power, liquid fuels, hydrogen, and carbon sequestration in the future.
Specialised energy sources
Within this market, EPS has
EPS completed the EPCM for the demonstration plant gas conditioning unit as input to a cogeneration plant.
Specialty gas conditioning and cleaning
EPS successfully completed the design, installation, and commissioning of a wet scrubber at Lanxess capable of removing Cr6 and recovering the chrome as a saleable byproduct.
done design engineering and construction of plant processing and producing, syngas, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and electrical power in the mining and minerals space. This includes energyintensive commodities, with our next goal consisting of ammonia, LNG/CNG, and green fuels.
Partnerships
As a small company, EPS understands the value of partnerships. Examples include Maatla as a power plant development partner, Vuselela Energy as an operational partner, and Environmental and Carbon Trading Solutions (ECTS) as a gas partner. These partnerships provide EPS with the ability to develop, design, execute, and operate small facilities in the industrial, mining, and minerals space.
Specialised
equipment design and heavy-duty table feeder
Specialist in-house design for unique equipment pieces such as table feeder for wet chromite suitable for heavy fines up to 90tph. Various units are supplied to ferrochrome producers.
DC Smelter Cogeneration Plant
EPS completed the process and detailed engineering for the pilot plant gas conditioning as input to a cogeneration plant. EPS further provided procurement and installation support as well as commissioning services.
COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
• The new installation of a 22km, 33 kilovolt ampere (kVA) powerline from the Sererome sub-station to the mining site
• A temporary accommodation camp
• Processing plant civil work
• 90 percent completion of the processing plant fabrication
• Motor Control Centre (MCC) fabrication
• A 4.5km access road from the new Dibete – Martins Drift tarred road
• Bush clearing of all infrastructure areas
• Water supply boreholes
• Mining area fencing
• Wing wall and ROM ramp
During the first six months of planned ramp-up activities, the workforce will exceed 270; in a steady-state operational phase, this number will rise to over 420.
“As part of the preparations for construction, Maatla completed in-fill drilling activities in Area A. This resulted in the discovery of additional measured coal resources and confirmed specific qualities of the coal, such as low ash and phosphorus, which will yield a premium in certain markets. Additionally, the D1 and M2 seams planned to be mined also exhibit charring characteristics,” enlightens Badenhorst.
QUALITY AND PEOPLE FIRST
The company used data from its exploration activities to ensure that specific markets are targeted, and reliable and consistent-quality coal will be supplied as a ‘Maatla-branded product’.
“Our commitment to providing a first-rate product is evident in
“OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING A FIRST-RATE PRODUCT IS EVIDENT IN OUR APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF OUR PROCESSING PLANT AND OUR VERSATILITY IN DELIVERING DIFFERENT SPECIFICATIONS AND SIZING FOR VARIOUS CLIENTS”
– JACQUES BADENHORST, CEO, MAATLA RESOURCES
our approach to the design of our processing plant and our versatility in delivering different specifications and sizing for various clients.
“This impacted planning which areas within the opencast mines and coal seams should be targeted first to ensure quality is achieved at the highest possible yield and lowest mining cost,” Badenhorst explains.
The development strategy is focused on distinguishing ‘Maatlabranded’ coal by concentrating on
quality advantages such as low ash and low phosphorus products.
“The charring characteristics of our coal will allow us to collaborate with a local company for upwards of 20 to 25 percent of Maatla’s washed sized coal products destined for the charring facility, partaking in a symbiotic relationship where we enjoy a sustainable local market for some of its sized coal production.
“In addition, the company will benefit from secure green power that
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will be generated from the excess heat from the charring process in an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant,” he details.
Not only is Maatla dedicated to producing quality coal, but the company will also create more than 420 permanent job opportunities for people in the local communities of Mookane, Mpashalala, Dibete, and Dovedale in the future.
This will lead to the development of primary and secondary industries in the area, resulting in significant employment prospects.
“This is complemented by our neighbour, Jindal Botswana, who is developing a 300 megawatt (MW) coal-based power station that will also create more than 1,000 permanent jobs,” Badenhorst divulges.
The impact of coal mining on Botswana’s communities will be significant, and Maatla is looking forward to witnessing the positive effects.
“Unfortunately, the Western world controls the narrative through banking and financing systems, making securing funding for new coal projects difficult.
Unlike traditional bankers and financiers, Maatla considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.
“We strongly believe that coal will continue to play a vital role in the energy and industrial sectors. Developing a project in this area will benefit the communities around Maatla and contribute to Botswana’s Vision 2036. This will help alleviate poverty, transform the country into a knowledge-based economy, and support its growth targets as a developing nation,” he prides.
Moreover, the company’s pipeline of downstream projects will undoubtedly strengthen the business case for the Mmamabula coal mine and further contribute to sustainable employment in the area.
A SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
The Earth is currently in the Anthropocene age because humans have become the most influential species, causing significant global warming and other changes to the land.
Therefore, responsible mining practices are essential to Maatla, whilst environmental monitoring is necessary for any experienced mining company to ensure minimal impact.
However, Badenhorst thinks the narrative created by the developed world that coal and fossil fuels are ‘dirty’ and should be eradicated at all costs is extremely dangerous.
With this in mind, Maatla aims to grow into a responsible mid-tier coal and energy company that is strongly focused on not only being recognised as a coal miner but also as an innovator, utilising existing technology and participating in downstream projects that will propel sustainability, echoing Botswana’s export-driven and diversified mining
economy.
“They are playing with lives as people are less impoverished than they were a century ago, and the reason for this is due to the energy that was used to develop countries, build infrastructure, and create healthy societies. This was achieved on the back of affordable and abundant energy sources such as coal,” he voices.
Badenhorst believes that eradicating coal or fossil fuels as a reliable and cost-effective base load source of energy and replacing it with highly subsidised, expensive solar and wind power, without even considering their true environmental impact and carbon footprint, will increase poverty in developing countries.
“As the global population continues to grow and more people require electricity, there is a greater need for alternative energy sources. The idea that we should completely transition away from fossil fuels and replace
MINING OUTLOOK: WHAT SPECIALIST SKILLSET DOES
YOUR TEAM POSSESS THAT MAKES IT SO SUCCESSFUL?
Jacques Badenhorst, CEO: “Our team is exceptional. We are blessed with a strong, experienced team that has interacted, worked together, or been business partners for over 20 years. For example, three development team members have managed junior listed mining entities.
“Moreover, we have an extremely solid in-house design, engineering, fabrication, and construction team with over 30 years of project management experience, complemented by a robust financial control and entrepreneurial team.
“We lacked the logistical and marketing skillset on the team, but those particular capabilities were brought on board by HMS Bergbau AG. Although we would be marketing our initial production from Area A into the regional-sized coal market, there are plans for tap into the worldwide network and experience of our majority equity partner with future production from our Area C secondary mine.”
them with renewable power is not a practical model.
“You need a diverse energy mix in the future, incorporating new generation capacity such as nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, and clean coal technology, rather than simply replacing existing fossil fuels with renewables,” Badenhorst expresses.
PLANNING AHEAD
Maatla is currently collaborating with technology partners and strategic companies on two downstream projects.
These will enhance the company’s sustainability, carbon footprint, competitiveness, shareholder returns, and social impact in Botswana.
“One project is at the feasibility level, while the other is at the prefeasibility level. We also understand that logistics play a crucial role in getting the product to market, and we need to find innovative solutions to ensure our clients receive their branded product on time and at a competitive price,” insights Badenhorst.
Additionally, the company has been instrumental in collaborating with other stakeholders over the past few years to advocate for the Mmamabula to Lephalale rail link.
This will provide freight owners in Botswana with a logistical solution for accessing both the sea-borne export and regional markets. The proposed railway will pass through Maatla’s mining license area and cross the Limpopo River into South Africa.
“The realisation of the rail link will enable Maatla to develop our secondary mine earlier than anticipated. This will create obvious employment, export, and supply chain opportunities for local businesses.”
Moreover, construction activities are progressing well for Maatla, and the company is confident it will begin to ramp-up production in Q2 2025.
“We will have day shift operations for the first six months of production to ensure sufficient pit room in the mine and facilitate personnel training. Our focus is on hiring from local communities before transitioning to a 24/7 operation.
“We intend to produce over 50,000 tonnes per month (tpm) of saleable coal product during the initial six months of operation, before increasing to to over 100,000 tpm. The processing plant will be operated at 80 percent of its nameplate capacity within a 24/7 operational cycle, allowing for additional tonnages to be processed and minimising the impact of unplanned stoppages,” Badenhorst concludes.
As Maatla’s plans continue to unfold, driven by its unwavering dedication to producing high-grade coal and its ambitious development goals to ensure a stable energy supply for the future, it will be a rewarding story of progress for both the company and Botswana.
info@maatlaresources.com
www.maatlaresources.com
STEWARDS OF MANGANESE COMMUNITIES
We revisit Kudumane Manganese Resources with Thembelani Gantsho, the company’s ongoing status as a major supplier of manganese within critical minerals landscape and its overarching commitment to sustainable
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
STEWARDS
Gantsho, CEO, who recaps within South Africa’s sustainable development
Responsible for 80 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, 35 to 45 percent of which is made up of manganese from the resourcerich Kalahari Basin, South Africa (SA) has historically been renowned as a lucrative destination for mining exploration and development.
Located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) district municipality, known for its abundance of manganese reserves, Kudumane Manganese Resources (KMR) is ideally placed to prosper as a leading producer of the sought-after mineral within the country’s mining landscape.
Having commenced its mining operations in 2012, KMR expanded exponentially. Today, it operates two open-pit mines, York and Hotazel, as well as a processing plant and various support infrastructure, all of which are primarily sustained by dedicated staff from the local area.
Despite the common perception that often frames mining as socially and environmentally unsustainable, KMR works hard to prove this is not the case.
“Sustainable development is something we take very seriously,” introduces Thembelani Gantsho, CEO of KMR.
As such, the company believes it has an important part to play in leaving a legacy of growth and development wherever its operations take place.
In this way, KMR plays an integral role within SA’s mining landscape, not only as a key producer of manganese and critical minerals but also as a social and environmental steward and guardian of the communities it serves.
“SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IS SOMETHING WE TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY”
Since transitioning out of the COVID19 pandemic in 2021, the company’s primary focus has been on returning to normality.
At the same time, SA’s mining industry was experiencing a postpandemic rebound and therefore benefitting from higher commodity prices.
However, over the past three years, KMR has witnessed a relative pullback in commodity prices which, coupled with rising operational costs and infrastructure constraints, has led to SA missing out on some sectorspecific booms.
“Some of the changes that the industry has faced recently reflect both challenges and opportunities
within an evolving landscape,” outlines Gantsho.
For example, profitability for mining companies has been confronted by rising costs and volatile commodity prices of late, whilst logistical limitations, frequent power outages, and exorbitant tariff increases have had a negative impact on production, resulting in increased operational costs.
Meanwhile, the use of critical minerals to progress the global clean energy transition has presented various opportunities, such as the use of critical minerals in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy.
As such, despite its challenges, SA’s mining landscape continues to enjoy emerging opportunities.
Managed Data Solutions for Industry
As an integrated information technology (IT) and visual solutions company proudly South African-owned, led, managed, and constituted, Virtualscape is here to take your business from good to great.
Founded in 2002 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA), Virtualscape has serviced over 300 clients, proudly completing approximately 1,000 projects to date.
Focused on scalable solutions in mining, logistics, and industrialised sectors of the African economy, the company is on a mission to not just work with data but to make data work for the businesses it serves, allowing clients to unlock endless potential through personalised data collection.
Virtualscape is a partner dedicated to helping you make connections that matter by understanding the relationship between data points that may appear disconnected on a surface level but actually represent your business’s ability to grow, increase performance, and deliver meaningful impact through actionable insights.
With a reputation for bridging the digital divide through solutions that result in notable impact on the industrial sector with purpose-built, sophisticated innovation for Africa, by Africans, the business boldly services some of the leading companies in the mining and logistics industries, having become a first-choice provider.
Virtualscape’s footprint extends across the continent, its solutions designed to help industrial businesses better understand their world by connecting data points and interpreting the pivotal moments in between.
This data by design, meticulously crafted to enhance business decisions and performance, allows the company to glean immediate insight into the data sources required by today’s executives and workers, resulting in greater operational efficiency and new revenue streams to be optimised.
PROVIDING SCALABLE SOLUTIONS
Sens Mining – a proprietary smart mining platform that concentrates on the opencast mining sector – is a methodology and range of tools that allow companies to accurately monitor and collect data from their business activities.
The holistic solution comprises hardware, firmware, and software intellectual property (software IP),
developed exclusively by Virtualscape. This full value chain monitoring and reporting is proudly associated with Kudumane Manganese Resources alongside other leading mining houses across the African continent, seeking to further leverage data into insights for management at all levels of the production value chain.
The company emphasises its mantra of ‘measure, manage, decide, trust’ within its culture to identify what is to be measured, how that is to be managed, what decisions need to be cultivated, and how it all can be trusted on a consistent basis to deliver continuous success for stakeholders.
This mindset serves as a differentiator for the business, which approaches each project and client holistically. Additionally, it allows the company to provide the most comprehensive and advanced smart mining solutions developed in Africa with some of the best-seasoned technology solutions-oriented architectural minds in the sector.
The success of Virtualscape and its Sens Mining solution lies in its ability to collaborate with others as a hardware and software agnostic platform that leverages existing ecosystems to deliver augmented value and insights.
The company recognises that there has always been power in knowledge; but now, there is also money in knowledge, and Virtualscape is here to help you obtain it.
KMR CORE VALUES
ZERO HARM – KMR believes in preserving the environment around it and ensuring each employee returns home unharmed.
INTEGRITY – The company demonstrates honesty, truthfulness, and strong moral and ethical practices in every interaction with its shareholders and stakeholders.
RESPECT – KMR exhibits polite regard and consideration for all.
RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY – Focusing on important issues for the business and individuals, the company takes full responsibility for the delivery of its projects.
INNOVATION – KMR applies better solutions to meet new requirements and anticipated needs.
“OUR SUCCESS DOES NOT JUST BENEFIT OUR SHAREHOLDERS, BUT ALL STAKEHOLDERS”
“With the private sector working together with the government through public-private partnerships, the full potential of the industry can be realised,” he confidently affirms.
CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT
As a socially and environmentally responsible company, sustainable development is of utmost importance to KMR, as is cultivating a sense of stewardship for its local communities.
In a move to offset carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency, the company recently installed solar panels to power its administrative buildings and workshops.
It is also heavily involved in social responsibility and prioritises infrastructure improvements,
education, and healthcare, which is evident in its myriad corporate social investment (CSI) projects.
“CSI remains important to us as it demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of our host communities and fosters stronger relationships with the people there to create a stable and supportive operational environment,” he explains.
Gantsho also outlines how many of the company’s strategies and policies are aligned with broader social and environmental objectives which seek to benefit the community and society at large, creating shared values with residents.
“In short, our CSI initiatives earn us a social licence to operate,” Gantsho summarises.
Some examples of KMR’s CSI, which aims to achieve both social impact
Efficient. Secure. Reliable
Tech Vantage
Tech Vantage is at the forefront of technological innovation, delivering a comprehensive range of IT, ICT, solar power and surveillance solutions tailored for the South African mining sector. With deep expertise in networking, data center, surveillance, and IT management services, Tech Vantage ensures that mining operations run smoothly and securely, even in the most challenging environments.
Founded on the principles of excellence and sustainability, Tech Vantage offers a unique blend of cutting-edge network engineering, solar farming and security camera solutions to protect business assets in urban or remote areas. These services not only optimize operational efficiency but also contribute to the mining industry’s sustainability goals, making Tech Vantage a trusted partner in modern mining technology.
At Tech Vantage, we believe in delivering value fast and building long-term partnerships with our clients by delivering solutions that meet the specific needs of their operations. Our end-to-end services, from planning and implementation to ongoing support, enable mining companies to focus on their core business while we handle the complexities of technology infrastructure.
Our Expertise Includes:
• IT Management Services: Handling dayto-day IT operations, including network management, system maintenance, and vendor contracts, so mining companies can focus on their core operations without worrying about their IT infrastructure
• Microsoft Office 365 Migrations: Seamlessly transitioning businesses to the cloud, ensuring secure and efficient collaboration across operations
• Server upgrades: Management of simple to complex server upgrades to cloud or onsite installations
• 5G Solution: Providing robust communication solutions in remote locations to ensure continuous connectivity and operational safety
• Fiber Solution: We offer network design, fiber and network equipment installation, and firewall protection. Our services offer high performance data transmission and connectivity for mining operations, ensuring high-speed and reliable infrastructure
• WiFi Site Upgrades: Upgrading and expanding WiFi networks to cover large mining sites, remote offices in challenging terrain, improving productivity and communication
• VoIP Solutions: Implementing Voice over IP solutions for clear, cost-effective communication across geographically dispersed sites
• Surveillance Solution: Deploying advanced surveillance systems across mining sites to enhance safety and monitor key operational areas, helping to secure assets and improve response times
Tech Vantage continues to drive the future of mining technology, combining our passion for innovation with our commitment to sustainable solutions. Partner with us for IT and solar solutions that transform your operations and pave the way for long-term success.
and business growth, include a shoe drive at the start of each academic year in which the company provides footwear for school children.
Similarly, a sanitary pad drive has seen KMR provide sanitary products and menstrual education for young people, whilst the elderly have been supplied with blankets and food hampers by the company.
“We have also refurbished community halls, upgraded water infrastructure, and provided resources to fix streetlights and install new ones,” he exemplifies.
Moreover, KMR is in the process of constructing three early childhood development centres (ECDCs) and a clinic in the villages of Mosekeng and Glenred, which will provide preschool education for around 100 children, further bolstering its commitment to local communities.
IMPACTFUL PROJECTS
Alongside its CSI outreach initiatives,
KMR seeks to promote a positive social impact through various community infrastructure projects.
For example, water projects in KiloKilo and Glenred have supplied 150 local households in the villages with abundant access to clean water.
“Our Skerma village livestock handling facility project has additionally allowed over 80 households to immunise their livestock and prepare cattle for transportation to auction,” Gantsho details.
Meanwhile, a health clinic project in the villages of Mgobing and Magojaneng is still in progress and will provide 200 households with access to primary health care.
Furthermore, by financially supporting around 30 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), KMR’s Procurement, Enterprise, and Supplier Development Programme (PESDP) increases its positive social output.
“The PESDP model is aimed at fostering genuine transformation by helping our suppliers and other nonsuppliers to grow and graduate into recognised SMEs,” he clarifies.
As part of its unique procurement model, KMR focuses on acquiring most of its components from local, female, and youth suppliers in a bid to bolster their growth amidst a competitive economic climate.
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
To power both its mining operations and community outreach projects, KMR relies on a robust network of partners, suppliers, and developers.
Asia Minerals Limited (AML) for example, has enjoyed an ongoing relationship with KMR and continues to be an integral part of its mine-tomarket business value chain.
The company has identified AML’s strong relationships with its target customers as a competitive advantage.
“This gives us the flexibility to align our mining operations with our customers’ unique requirements,” Gantsho informs.
As such, KMR’s relationship with AML continues to go from strength to strength.
Furthermore, the company views its contractors and suppliers as business partners, who it works closely with to achieve success and collective benefits.
“Our success does not just benefit our shareholders, but all stakeholders,” he discloses.
Equally, Transnet remains a key logistics partner to KMR. Despite various operational challenges, the relationship remains collaborative whilst it seeks to address issues as they arise.
In addition, KMR can count Impact Catalyst amongst its plethora of partners. An agent of change in the Northern Cape (NC), the collective organisation creates mechanisms
POJK Mining Solutions
to drive large-scale socioeconomic development through collaboration with government and private sectors.
“Through our partnership with Impact Catalyst, we have collaborated with several mining companies in NC to drive meaningful projects that will have maximum impact,” Gantsho reveals.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Going forward, KMR’s focus is on ensuring that it optimises its processes through operational efficiency.
It also seeks to better manage its mine design, source new open castable resources in its properties, and find synergies wherever possible with its neighbours.
“We are not currently focused on underground operations as we see that as being somewhat outdated,” Gantsho tells us.
Further to this, since 2021, KMR’s capital expenditure (CapEx) has been
reduced as many of its initiatives have yielded their intended outcomes, such as mine life extension, increased material processing efficiencies, and improved train loading speeds.
“Having said this, we continue to spend on stay-in-business CapEx to ensure we are improving and optimising our operations.”
Today, KMR has reached a steady state in line with the limited rail capacity in SA.
“Our focus remains on our continued initiatives relating to cost optimisation, operational efficiencies, and exploration for growth,” he concludes.
GRANTING GLOBAL ACCESS TO GRAPHITE
We revisit Syrah Resources with Agnaldo Laice, General Manager of Institutional Relations and Corporate Services, who recaps the company’s impressive status as one of the world’s largest natural graphite producers outside of China and outlines its ongoing aspirations amidst a challenging industry landscape
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Joshua Mann
Graphite is considered a critical mineral by authorities such as the US government and the EU, and the anode materials it produces continue to provide vital fuel for the ever-growing global electric vehicle (EV) market. As such, many countries have developed various strategies to
secure the supply of these soughtafter materials.
Capitalising on the exponential growth of the EV market of late, the strategy of Syrah Resources (Syrah) has historically been rooted in the vertical integration of its graphite mining operations in Mozambique, alongside its battery anode
manufacturing operations in the US.
Today, Syrah is proud to be the first vertically integrated natural graphite and active anode material company in the world outside of China. Its high-quality natural graphite is mined and processed out of its Balama graphite plant in Mozambique before being further processed and purified
A TIMELINE OF SYRAH’S KEY MILESTONES SINCE JULY 2022
July 2022 – Received a USD$102 million binding loan from the US Department of Energy for the initial expansion of Vidalia.
July 2022 – Entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ford Motor Company and SK On for AAM material supply to the BlueOval SK joint venture.
October 2022 – Entered into a non-binding MoU with LG Energy Solution for natural graphite AAM supply from Vidalia.
December 2022 – Tesla exercised its option to offtake an additional 17 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of natural graphite AAM from the Vidalia 45 ktpa expansion.
April 2023 – Vidalia’s definitive feasibility study (DFS) confirmed that expansion to 45 ktpa of AAM production capacity is technically viable, financially robust, and expected to generate significant value for Syrah.
August 2023 – Natural graphite binding offtake agreements executed with Graphex Technologies and Westwater Resources for Balama natural graphite to be supplied to proposed US-based AAM processing facilities.
August 2023 – Non-binding MoU with Samsung SDI for natural graphite AAM supply from Vidalia.
September 2023 – USD$150 million conditional loan commitment for Balama approved by the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Board of Directors.
February 2024 – Fully integrated AAM production commenced from 11.25 ktpa Vidalia facility.
March 2024 – Binding long-term offtake agreement with Posco Future M for Balama natural graphite.
April 2024 – 10 kilotonne (kt) breakbulk sale to PT Indonesia New Energy Materials.
at its brand-new Vidalia plant in Louisiana, US and shipped to battery manufacturers and automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) all over the world.
Since last speaking to Syrah in July 2022, the company has progressed even further in evolving its facilities and product offerings whilst sustaining its production amidst market challenges and developing its deep-rooted dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities and local community engagement.
“As a business, we have a unique value proposition based on the fact that we are a major supplier of natural graphite and active anode material (AAM), with upstream and downstream expansion potential underpinned by our world-class Balama asset,” introduces Agnaldo Laice, General Manager of Institutional Relations and Corporate Services at Syrah’s operating subsidiary in Mozambique.
“We’ve evidently become one of the largest natural graphite producers in the world, whilst our vertical integration with the AAM operation in the US is the first of its kind outside of China,” he confirms.
The company’s client base includes a broad range of customers in the steel, battery manufacturing, and automotive sectors across China,
“AS A BUSINESS, WE HAVE A UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION BASED ON THE FACT THAT WE ARE A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF NATURAL GRAPHITE AND ACTIVE ANODE MATERIAL, WITH UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM EXPANSION POTENTIAL UNDERPINNED BY OUR WORLD-CLASS BALAMA ASSET”
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AGNALDO LAICE, GENERAL MANAGER OF INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS AND CORPORATE SERVICES, SYRAH RESOURCES
Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, India, Europe, and the US, whilst a significant amount of product continues to be supplied to the former, which remains dominant from both a natural graphite demand and AAM production perspective.
With aspirations to further expand its downstream operations at Vidalia in the coming years, the company is focused on continuing to deliver shareholder value while participating in the key decarbonisation trend of electrifying the global transportation fleet.
RAMPING UP
The ongoing development at Syrah’s Vidalia plant in Louisiana has been focused on establishing an AAM production facility that can compete and is a viable option for critical mineral supply to Asia, primarily China.
After initiating the development of downstream technology in 2016, followed by the feasibility, engineering, and construction of the processing facility, the company successfully completed commissioning of the plant in late
2023 and further commenced AAM production in February 2024. Syrah is now fully engaged in the downstream integration, progressively increasing production throughput and product quality from the Vidalia facility.
“We are currently committed to completing the qualification process, whilst ramping up AAM production volumes to supply our existing and new customers,” Laice affirms.
However, recent volatile market conditions and weaker pricing have led to a significant reduction of natural graphite production at Balama, which presents a near-term challenge for the company in contrast to the strong medium and long-term outlook for AAM demand outside China.
Late last year, the Chinese government announced the introduction of export licensing controls for graphite products. These have increased uncertainty, administrative barriers, and delays in export supply of graphite materials from China, which in turn has impacted demand for Syrah’s natural graphite from Balama.
“Therefore, driven by short-term lower market demand, production at Balama has been moderated through the adoption of a campaign production mode, in which we are focused on maintaining operating capacity and market presence, whilst also reducing costs, managing finances, and ensuring readiness for improved market conditions,” he reveals.
Syrah’s approach specifically aims to reduce single-country dependency
Nucleus Mining Logistics will show you the HOW behind the WOW, how we add FLARE behind the WHERE, and how to STRUT behind the WHAT
Nucleus Mining Logistics recognises the importance of fostering collaborative and strategic partnerships to drive progress and overcome the obstacles present in today’s supply chains.
Successfully implementing a strong customer focused model is the cornerstone of our longterm relationships with our clients in Africa.
Nucleus Mining Logistics is at the forefront of independent freight management and crossborder logistics in Southern, Eastern, Western, and Central Africa.
Nucleus Mining Logistics is focused on the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to final point of delivery.
We are committed to optimising and merging essential logistical processes to reduce overall logistics costs and enhance delivery efficiency.
With a focus on excellence, we aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for our valued clients.
We fully understand that focus on working together with the client on transformation efficiencies, thus redesigning not only the supply chain but sometimes also the overall business process and internal organisation.
As a leader in the logistics industry with over 10 years of experience in Africa, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to meet our customers’ diverse transportation and supply chain needs.
At Nucleus Mining Logistics we offer a wide range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and more. Our team of logistics experts provides tailored solutions that align with our clients’ business objectives and help them achieve their goals.
What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, innovative technology solutions, and personalised service. Whether you’re looking for delivery solutions, global freight forwarding services, or comprehensive freight management, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.
Let’s make contact and share how we can grow together; we firmly believe opportunities multiply as they are seized.
We’ve had the privilege of partnering with clients across the mining industry to streamline their logistics operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Our track record of success speaks for itself, and we’re confident that we can deliver the same exceptional results for your business.
We look forward to the opportunity to discuss how our logistics capabilities can benefit your organisation. We offer a wide range of services, such as:
• Total warehouse management service; Secure bonded and warehouse facilities in Johannesburg, Durban, Kitwe, Lubumbashi, Kolwezi and Accra
• A dedicated point of contact; Consolidation of loads; Optimisation of loads; Load configuration; Documentation management
• Supply of adequate material equipment able to accommodate containers, break bulk, bulk and out of gauge cargo
• Shipping capabilities – sea, air, road, express and abnormal, consolidations, charter
• Spares and parts “milk run” on weekly basis with multiple stops
• Exploration and green field logistics; Project logistics; Operational logistics; Expediting
• Global cross trade network (from anywhere in the world to Africa)
A LEADING ESG AND SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE
Syrah’s leading health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards include:
• ISO:45001 (health and safety management systems) and ISO:14001 (environmental management systems) certifications at Balama
• ISO:9001 (quality management systems) certification at Vidalia
• Vidalia project being developed in line with best practice ESG standards
• Critical Risk Management Framework embedded across the group
The company’s best practice sustainability frameworks are guided by:
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
• International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
• Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
Syrah also proudly implements a robust community development and stakeholder engagement strategy.
and has resulted in several positive developments, including a recently announced offtake agreement with Posco Future M (Posco), a major South Korean battery materials producer and one of the largest AAM producers globally. The company is also currently in commercial discussions with several other customers outside China, as well as various automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers.
“In 2025, we’re going to begin supplying Posco with natural graphite from Balama whilst continuing to engage with other customers who are inevitably seeking to diversify natural graphite supply away from China,” Laice details.
SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENTS
Due to the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic on the shipping industry, which previously caused problematic backlogs and even stranded product shipments, Syrah introduced breakbulk shipments from Pemba in 2022. This approach has allowed for greater vessel charter options to better cater to customers’ requirements.
“By working together with our logistics provider, Grindrod, and Pemba port operator, CFM, we were able to ensure that we not only procured and mobilised adequate capacity breakbulk vessels but improved landside logistics, highlighting opportunities for future
This included the establishment of a new warehouse in the Pemba facility, where Syrah’s product is temporarily stored, enabling product to be transferred to vessels more efficiently.
Fast-forward to today, and the company utilises two export channels – its traditional container port in Nacala, including exclusive access to a state-of-the-art Cross Dock Facility and the breakbulk shipments port in Pemba.
to service its customers and global markets, emerging stronger from the experience.
AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY PLAYER
standards in the world.
“Although we’re still to receive the final report of the independent audit, I believe that we’re well positioned to ensure we substantially meet most if not all of the +400 different requirements,” Laice declares.
Due to its achievements at Balama in partnership with key stakeholders and continued maintenance of worldclass responsible mining operations, the company believes it has built a strong foundation to achieve IRMA certification, a first of its kind across the global graphite industry.
In addition, as Laice informed us in 2022, he is personally committed to upholding strong sustainability practices and continued community engagement, especially in his role as Chairperson of the Local Development Committee.
“The Local Development Committee continues to hold regular meetings with representatives of the host communities and the local district government. These meetings provide a structured framework to discuss, select, and prioritise the implementation of sustainable development initiatives and projects aligned with the needs of communities.
The company’s Sustainable Income Generation Activities (SIGA) programme continues to offer opportunities for local producers and farmers to learn new farming techniques, scale up production, and access markets.
“As part of our sustainability strategy, we’ll certainly continue this work for years to come, driven efficiencies,” Laice prides.
Thus, despite the export limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Syrah has successfully leveraged this challenge to its advantage. As a result, the company now utilises more than one major port
As part of its sustainability strategy, Syrah is committed to operating safely, ethically, and efficiently to create value for its people and stakeholders. Hence, to continue solidifying its ESG credentials, Syrah has embarked in a process of undertaking an independent assessment of Balama’s social and environmental performance against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, which is one of the most comprehensive and rigorous mining
There are several initiatives in place under the SIGA programme yielding encouraging results including, amongst others, improved vegetable production, poultry farming, cashew production, and beekeeping. Syrah continues to work with local implementing partners to ensure that communities ultimately benefit from the programme.
“WE’VE EVIDENTLY BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST NATURAL GRAPHITE PRODUCERS IN THE WORLD, WHILST OUR VERTICAL INTEGRATION WITH THE ACTIVE ANODE MATERIAL US OPERATION IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND OUTSIDE OF CHINA”
- AGNALDO LAICE, GENERAL MANAGER OF INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS AND CORPORATE SERVICES, SYRAH RESOURCES
by the commitment we’ve made to communities and, of course, to the Government of Mozambique,” he acknowledges.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
Since speaking to us in 2022 about its offtake agreement with Tesla, Syrah has, in the meantime, completed
the product qualification process and commenced commercial scale operations at Vidalia.
This marks progression towards becoming a vertically integrated natural graphite AAM supply alternative for US and European battery supply chain participants and OEM customers.
The company is currently working to ramp up production at the 11,250 tonnes per annum (tpa) AAM Vidalia facility to fulfil the offtake agreement with Tesla, subject to confirmation of consistent production of quality AAM aligned with contractual and technical requirements.
Syrah is also progressing commercial and technical engagements with additional
customers and supply chain participants. This includes nonbinding MoUs with Ford Motor Company, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung SDI to evaluate AAM supply from Vidalia. The company expects to announce further progress of Vidalia AAM offtake agreements in the near future.
“We’re talking about a product that goes into EVs driven by people. These vehicles need to perform, and, of course, Tesla seeks to ensure that the batteries are performing at the level customers expect,” Laice explains.
“We’re also progressing with engineering and procurement activities for the expansion of Vidalia’s production to 45,000 tpa, which will be subject to a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the Syrah board,” he adds.
In addition, its position as one of the world’s largest vertically integrated producers of natural graphite and AAM outside of China continues to bolster the company’s status
and strategic importance in critical minerals supply chains.
“Our strong value proposition with upstream and downstream expansion potential, underpinned by the worldclass Balama asset positions us as a viable alternative to China, particularly for the US, Europe, and other major players in the global EV markets,” Laice outlines.
A major contributor to the company’s value proposition is its leading ESG credentials, which represent a significant competitive advantage, enabling automakers and battery manufacturers to audit their supply chains all the way to the source due to Syrah’s fully integrated single chain.
“More and more, customers today seek sustainable products with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon footprint. Our strong ESG credentials can be verified at any time to reassure customers of the sustainability of our products,” he concludes.
Furthermore, with a potential natural graphite production capacity of 350,000 tpa at its Balama mine, which has a lifespan of 50+ years – the largest integrated natural graphite operation globally – Syrah has the capacity to fulfil a higher output year-on-year.
With projections in the EV space indicating a significant increase in demand for natural graphite and AAM outside of China in the next few years, combined with the company’s efforts to differentiate its products and further strengthen its ESG credentials, a bright future and opportunities are expected for Syrah.
Tel: +258 21 921 2978
twigg.admin@syrahresources.com.au
syrahresources.com.au
DEDICATED TO INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
Offering integrated crushing, mining, and mineral processing solutions, B&E International is the partner of choice for the mining and construction industries in South Africa. Chris Weideman, Managing Director, discusses the company’s premium services
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Joshua Mann
Being exposed to construction and mining, we get around and have a good feel for the pulse of both sectors.”
In South Africa (SA), the former has been under severe pressure for the past few years due to several factors, namely government policies inconducive to growth and capital formation, corruption and crime, and a lack of investment from foreign and domestic sources.
The view of SA as an unfavourable investment destination has been exacerbated by the severe
downswing in construction activity over the past five to seven years, which has seen the country lose a large number of skilled workers.
“There is a dire need for investment in our existing infrastructure, which is under severe pressure and ageing fast,” emphasises Chris Weideman, Managing Director of B&E International (B&E).
“Quite a few large projects are out to tender, but after the recent election at the end of May, we are not sure if this is just government electioneering or whether they are truly intent on investing in infrastructure.”
Mining in SA has been negatively impacted by this lack of investment, as the country’s port capacity is insufficient, the railways are not fully functional, and there is a critical energy shortage.
There is likewise virtually no investment in exploration, according to Weideman, who cites regulation, political factors, and social engineering as responsible for hampering the sector’s growth.
With the above driving off many competitors, opportunities abound for the likes of B&E.
INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
Founded in 1972 as a drilling and blasting entity, B&E today offers integrated crushing, mining, mineral processing, and engineering solutions.
The company was acquired by Raubex Group in 2008, giving B&E further access to advanced mining and construction expertise and services, as well as capital.
“B&E is a diverse entity that offers a wide range of services and can address specific problems and challenges in the field. Amongst other things, we specialise in crushing and screening on a contract basis for infrastructure-related projects,” outlines Weideman, who remarkably has now worked at the company for 31 years.
Paramount to sustainability and profitability, B&E offers crushing and
screening services to commercial chrome, gold, manganese, iron ore, copper, platinum group metal (PGM), and coal mining ventures throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are particularly well-invested in the coal industry and have a rather large capacity for crushing and screening capabilities in this field, as well as the washing and sweetening of coal. Here, we also offer purpose-built coal washing solutions,” he adds.
“We have a very large mobile contract crushing and screening plant fleet and probably boast the greatest capacity in Southern Africa.”
Mineral processing and engineering services are also offered by the company to set up greenfield mining operations from scratch or rehabilitate existing projects.
On the mineral processing front,
B&E has ventured into the chrome recovery business, which it intends to continue growing as part of its offering.
Meanwhile, the company’s Build, Operate, Own, Transfer (BOOT) concept allows clients to own an entire greenfield mineral processing plant that is designed, manufactured, installed, operated, and even financed
“B&E IS A DIVERSE ENTITY THAT OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND CAN ADDRESS SPECIFIC PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN THE FIELD”
on their behalf by B&E.
“The BOOT concept is unique in our market as we may finance certain ventures which meet our criteria,” Weideman shares.
More than ever, B&E is making headway in establishing long-term relationships through its BOOT concept, as it appeals to many of the company’s risk-averse mining clients and is a significant departure from typical models that form a significant part of the company’s strategy.
“The risk is shared with this model
– CHRIS WEIDEMAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, B&E INTERNATIONAL
as the plant we supply to the client is operated by us, so we address and solve any defects or issues. In this way, we share the pain, if there is any,” he explains.
Maintenance and repair services, such as excavator and frontend loader bucket rebuilds, are additionally offered not only for B&E’s in-house operations, but also to third parties.
“Machine rebuilds have become sought after in SA due to the rising cost of capital equipment,” notes Weideman.
Last but not least, the company provides comprehensive drilling and blasting solutions for the mining, quarrying, and construction industries.
REGIONAL PRESENCE
In terms of its geographical footprint, B&E has a long history in Southern Africa and has no qualms about working in most African countries.
The company is looking to grow in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where, along with SA, it is currently present in the
SADC nations of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Namibia.
In the latter, B&E is currently working for Namdeb in the diamond mining town of Oranjemund, where it performs beach accretion and overburden stripping while also constructing and maintaining the seawalls.
The Namdeb contract accounts for most of the ZAR500 million spent on capital expenditure (CapEx) this year by B&E, along with upgrading
HILLHEAD 2024
and expanding its drilling and blasting capabilities. The organisation is also pursuing other opportunities in the area, including the Tschudi Copper Mine.
In Mozambique, meanwhile, B&E hopes to start up a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, where it has already supplied 200,000 tonnes (t) of aggregates and sea defence materials out of the two million required.
Elsewhere, the business is looking at ventures in Zimbabwe and is poised
At the end of June, B&E will be visiting Hillhead 2024, the UK’s largest quarrying, construction, and recycling exhibition.
This year’s show builds on the record-breaking 2022 event, which hosted over 600 exhibiting companies and was enjoyed by 18,500 unique visitors.
B&E always tries to keep abreast of the latest developments and technologies in the sector.
“I would like to extend an invitation to any mining entities who are keen to get involved in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, to visit us and get in contact. We believe that we can offer value to partnerships or even as contractors,” Weideman urges.
to enter Australia in 2025, where its three sister companies – West Force and Raubex Australia, who are already well-established in the country, and Road Mac Australia – are present.
There are, however, projects that the company will walk away from due to certain inherent risks. Specifically, the risk that B&E is most acutely aware of is whether it will be able to deliver on its promises.
“Unfortunately, in contracting, one’s success is quite often determined by knowing which projects to walk away from,” acknowledges Weideman.
Good working relationships are therefore maintained by B&E, whose strategy for the next five years, together with Raubex Group, is to establish and foster a strong order book with quality clients that appreciate and can afford its services.
These long-term partnerships, along with the company’s dedicated workforce and culture of delivering high-quality service, provide exceptional returns for stakeholders.
“Being in the mining sector, capital is always an issue, and we are focused on jacking up our return on investment (ROI), which is something
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B&E – SELECTED PROJECTS
• Crushing contract for Raubex KZN – B&E supplies the base course and asphalt aggregates for the highway upgrades through the city of Ladysmith, SA.
• Moeijelijk Chrome Mine – The company produces around 22,000t of chrome per month at the Moeijelijk mine, where the quality of the minerals is exceptional.
• Kookfontein processing plant
– B&E will process around 80,000t of ore per month at this facility, which has just been commissioned.
• Crushing contract for Rumdel – This project to upgrade a section of the N2 highway in the Eastern Cape will last around 10 months.
• Raumix Aggregates plant – B&E has just been awarded a contract to supply and install a large upgrade at Raumix Aggregates’ Rossway plant.
• Gabosh Dam – The company is performing the drilling and blasting, as well as the crushing and screening of materials, to build this new dam in the small town of Amsterdam in Mpumalanga.
• Wind farms – B&E has been awarded the crushing and screening and aggregate supply at several wind farms.
“THE BOOT CONCEPT IS UNIQUE IN OUR MARKET AS WE MAY FINANCE CERTAIN VENTURES WHICH MEET OUR CRITERIA”
– CHRIS WEIDEMAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, B&E INTERNATIONAL
that shareholders keep an eye on,” Weideman informs us.
“The returns are not quite what we would like them to be yet, but this is partly driven by the fact that we have large exposure to the construction and infrastructure sectors.”
AMBITIOUS TARGETS
Weideman admits that B&E will have its work cut out to achieve the budget
goals it has set for FY 2025.
However, he hopes that there will be an economic upswing following the May election in which infrastructure-related projects that are on the table will be awarded and executed.
Secondly, the company has certain health, safety, and environment (HSE) targets that it is very keen to meet, one of which is to achieve an entire
year with zero lost time injuries (LTIs).
Another of B&E’s goals is to expand its drilling and blasting offering as well as its processing capabilities in the fields of chrome, PGMs, and other minerals.
The latter will particularly come in handy for the projects that B&E is actively seeking and working on throughout Africa and north of the Limpopo River.
“Finally, we are very focused on the use of technology to improve our service offerings and performance,” concludes Weideman.
Offering premium services made possible by a culture of excellence and long-term relationships, B&E is on a mission to become the partner of choice to the mining and construction industries in Southern Africa and beyond.
Proving itself to be a vital player in Botswana mining, we speak to Bokang Thitoyamore, CEO of Naledi Mining Services Company, about providing vital mining services for the management of the world’s richest diamond mine
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
The Botswana mining industry continues to be an indomitable force within the international mining landscape, dispensing some of the world’s most desired treasures, including diamonds, copper, and nickel.
A vital link in this international chain is Naledi Mining Services Company (Naledi), who operates as a renowned service provider in the African mining sector, specialising in delivering strategies to key areas of mining activities.
Established in August 2022, Naledi started its operations in January 2023, providing labour and management for the Jwaneng Cut 9 project, as well as maintenance services for earthmoving vehicles and fixed plants.
“The company was founded with a focus on real-time strategy execution and robust corporate governance from the outset,” introduces CEO, Bokang Thitoyamore.
Since its inception, Naledi has rapidly grown to become one of Botswana’s largest mining services companies, employing over 1,000 staff.
A subsidiary of Debswana, the world’s leading diamond producer, Naledi contributes significantly to its success by handling critical aspects of the Cut 9 waste stripping of the Debswana Jwaneng Mine (Jwaneng), the world’s richest diamond mine by value.
Furthermore, the company’s experienced team delivers top-tier services, including optimised mine planning, drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling with diverse skills and knowledge across the mining process.
“The key to our success is improving efficiencies and productivities to deliver mandates safely and cost-effectively.
“Therefore, our focus remains to provide highly skilled human resources to the most inefficient areas in an operation, which would add most value to the process if improved,” expands Thitoyamore.
On top of this, the safety of its people, environment, and communities remains a cornerstone of Naledi. In aid of this commitment,
the business has recently modified its mining contracts to include a hybrid model that has significantly improved citizen participation in local communities.
STRENGTH IN UPSKILLING
Amongst Naledi’s plethora of current projects, the company also plans to explore the realm of underground mining, which requires significant investment in new technologies and training as well as close collaboration with industry leaders.
“OUR GOAL IS TO POSITION NALEDI AS THE PREMIER DESTINATION FOR MINING EXPERTISE IN BOTSWANA”
– BOKANG THITOYAMORE, CEO, NALEDI MINING SERVICES COMPANY
“This presents new ways of working such as adapting to different mining conditions, implementing new safety protocols, and acquiring specialised equipment. However, we are preparing to meet these new requirements by upskilling our workforce and investing in cutting-edge technology,” informs Thitoyamore.
Currently, the company is upskilling eight mining engineers to degree level, with particular focus on underground mining. Two engineers have already graduated from the programme and are ready to put their skills to the test in the current mining climate.
In fact, upskilling is a central focus
of Naledi’s expansion, particularly in response to current socioeconomic factors in Botswana.
“When developing our growth strategy, we realised that Botswana was very strong in production-related environments, but there was a need to upskill the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) space,” Thitoyamore details.
To realise this upskilling, the business partnered with DRA Global to initiate joint projects and professionalise local workers in the EPCM domain. The collaboration also supported the development of human capital and the introduction of competition into the market, ultimately having a positive impact on end users.
NALEDI’S CORPORATE VALUES
• SAFE – Create a work environment where all employees, contractors, and stakeholders are protected from harm.
• FAIRNESS – Treat all stakeholders equitably and ethically.
• SUSTAINABILITY – Conduct operations to preserve and protect the environment, communities, and resources for current and future generations.
• EXCELLENCE – Commit to achieving the highest standards across all mining activities.
• AGILE – Adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and operational challenges.
• LOVE – Dedicated to caring for employees, communities, and stakeholders.
Internally, the partnership with DRA Global also allows the company to develop its underground skills going forward and enables Naledi to stay ahead of the employee skills curve. This prepares the business for future changes in the industry where underground mining will be the main mode of operation.
More broadly, Naledi has implemented dedicated programmes and investments to develop staff expertise across every level of the organisation, from leadership to operative employees.
In the production side of the company, for instance, Naledi has trained over 100 housekeeping staff to operate machinery, 55 of whom have now become full-time operators.
“We believe that anyone in our operation can be upskilled to the next level with the right investment,” expresses Thitoyamore.
“Our goal is to position Naledi as the premier destination for mining expertise in Botswana.”
ROBUST RELATIONSHIPS
Naledi’s growing supply chain partners are critical to its success. Indeed, strong relationships with both international and local partners and suppliers ensure that the company has reliable access to high-quality materials and equipment.
“These relationships help us manage costs, mitigate risks, and maintain operational efficiency.
NALEDI’S CURRENT PROJECTS
• JWANENG CUT 9 PROJECT – This major project involves waste stripping at one of the world’s richest mines and has become crucial for sustaining mine operations and maximising resource extraction. The mine aims to expose ores to create a sustainable feed for the region’s plants without risking a revenue gap for Debswana.
• JWANENG MOBILE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES – Naledi provides comprehensive maintenance for earth-moving vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of critical machinery. Skills retention is also key to this project, as most of the equipment used is specific to the Jwaneng operation.
It also helps create an increased understanding of each other’s cultures and businesses that enhance transformation and innovation,” Thitoyamore enthuses.
Naledi is also in the process of onboarding an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to optimise its supply chain operations. The system will help boost engagement with suppliers and generate more opportunities and synergies for collaboration.
Additionally, the company has made significant strides in corporate social responsibility (CSR) through its recent partnership with the Botswana Football Association (BFA), developing an Olympic football
programme to cultivate the country’s talent for the 2028 Olympic Games.
This initiative reflects Naledi’s commitment to sports and educational excellence across local communities. In parallel, the company has also invested substantially in supporting schools and encouraging learners to succeed.
“As a business, these investments go beyond building and maintaining good relationships with our communities. They are a testament to our vision of creating limitless possibilities for a better tomorrow,” Thitoyamore prides.
Going forward, Naledi’s key priorities include onboarding five new high-value clients and generating
BWP1 billion in revenue by 2026 whilst expanding into new project areas and continuing to diversify its service offerings to meet evolving market demands.
“Our main future focus is on the implementation of our growth blueprint and creating pipelines to achieve the overall goal of our corporate strategy,” finishes Thitoyamore.
Tel: +267 584 001
THE AFRICAN SPIRIT UNEARTHING
Jindal Africa’s presence on opportunity to utilise its mining impact on the communities Goyal, discusses the company’s
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Thomas
Parshant Goyal, CEO
UNEARTHING
on the continent represents an mining potential and make a lasting communities in which it operates. CEO, Parshant company’s crucial role and positive future
Thomas Arnold
Home to a third of the world’s minerals and a quarter of its energy reserves, mining companies are drawn to Africa’s abundant resources.
Leading multinational organisation, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), has identified this wealth of exploration and development
opportunities and is diligently working to expand its footprint in the continent through Jindal Africa.
Established in 2008, Jindal Africa’s mission was to discover metal and mineral commodities for JSPL’s steel production in India, and four years later, it began its coal mining operations in Chirodzi, Tete,
Mozambique.
As a burgeoning company under the JSPL umbrella, Jindal Africa is part of O.P. Jindal, an industrial conglomerate and principal player in the steel, power, mining, coal-toliquid, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
The company’s operations span
Mozambique washplant
South Africa (SA), Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, producing high-quality coal and working on iron ore, thermal, and solar power projects.
As CEO of Jindal Africa, Parshant Goyal is responsible for these operations as well as new projects in Zimbabwe.
“My vision is that we should be a
major thermal power producer in this region and in SA with coal, before expanding into renewables such as solar. Additionally, we aim to extract manganese, chrome, and base metals required for steel production, and we currently produce 12 million tonnes (t) of steel in India and Oman,” he confirms.
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Africa has always been Goyal’s top choice for JSPL’s mining endeavours as he sees the industry’s future heading in that direction.
“I love working in the African region due to the numerous benefits for both us and the communities in which we operate,” he enthuses.
Jindal Africa takes its corporate social responsibility (CSR) seriously, ensuring that its activities comply with the laws of respective countries. For example, the company has an approved Social and Labour Plan (SLP) in SA, which is valid for five years.
“We take care of communities according to the SLP, but we also accomplish many things for schools and medical facilities. In Botswana, we fulfil residents’ basic requirements and essential needs, such as providing books for children and necessary amenities for hospitals. Furthermore, we offer education on farming and agriculture,” Goyal insights.
Keen to improve local socioeconomic conditions, Jindal Africa prioritises community employment.
“In SA, we have around 550 employees, with only three being expatriates; the rest are from nearby areas. In Mozambique, a community was based in the mining field, so we relocated 325 houses, provided residents with agricultural land in the rehabilitation colony, and ensured they had access to a hospital, school, church, and market.”
The community was in decline before Jindal Africa intervened by starting work on the mine around 12 years ago. As well as providing
drinking water, which was in scarce supply, over half of the citizens went from not having a bicycle to owning a vehicle.
“We have witnessed significant growth in these areas, and as part of our CSR commitments, we are even offering banking facilities – we are wholeheartedly devoted to community development,” prides Goyal.
STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
Jindal Africa believes it is crucial to nurture relationships with local communities while maintaining strong connections with suppliers.
Approximately 90 percent of the company’s supply chain in SA is local. In Mozambique, however, this figure sits between 70 and 80 percent as many materials are procured from neighbouring SA, where suppliers also have manufacturing units.
As a people-centred company, Jindal Africa provides opportunities and economic support for communities, suppliers, and the workforce.
“We enjoy motivating our employees by providing training that aligns with their needs or interests. For example, our Mine Manager in SA, who initially worked as a
JINDAL AFRICA’S EXPLORATION EXPANSIONS
MOZAMBIQUE – The Chirodzi coal mine has an expected 25-year life of mine, and Jindal Africa intends to expand the mine in the newly allocated area adjacent to the present mine.
SA – Kiepoersol Colliery remains a prominent producer of high-quality anthracite and lean bituminous coal, adding to Jindal Africa’s portfolio. Additionally, in Melmoth, a small town situated in KwaZulu-Natal, SA, magnetite resources are expected to have a substantial socioeconomic impact in the area.
BOTSWANA – Mmamabula has attracted Jindal Africa, who aims to operate open-cast mines and a 600 MW power plant in the coalfields.
NAMIBIA – Windhoek has an iron ore mine, and the company has been involved in activities in this previously unexplored region.
Mozambique washplant
geologist, received our support to obtain his blasting ticket and now holds a significant position within the company, exemplifying the kind of motivation and development opportunities we offer.
“When there is a conference such as Mining Indaba, we allow highperforming employees to attend, providing them with an opportunity to gain exposure to the industry,” Goyal highlights.
Jindal Africa aims to provide continuous training to its workforce, ensuring they are up to date with the latest industry trends. In this way, the company values its employees as the backbone of the organisation.
STRATEGY FOR THE ECOSYSTEM
As a responsible mining company, Jindal Africa operates within the confines of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
“We plant trees and use the waste
from the wash plant as a power source instead of burning extra coal. We also have a large upcoming project in Botswana where we are constructing a power plant with 600 megawatts (MW) of thermal power integrated with a 5 million t coal mine,” Goyal reveals.
Aligning with Botswana’s journey to Vision 2030 and the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Jindal Africa continues to maintain a strong presence throughout the country.
The company is not only committed to achieving its sustainability goals but also aims to significantly boost the nation’s economy by generating employment opportunities in the rich coalfields of Mmamabula.
To demonstrate this commitment, the company has already implemented solar power for its camp workers and plans to expand this initiative to ensure that construction power is utilised to its full potential. Moreover, the region has the
potential to generate new jobs for over 3,000 people in the future.
“We intend to invest in solar energy and are determined to reach our targets this year. Our key priorities are in Botswana, and we are also exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe,” Goyal finishes.
Yuri Alexandre, CEO, tells us why Castonguay Blasting is wellpositioned to take on the industry as a leader in drilling and blasting for the mining and construction sectors
Writer: Jack Salter
Project Manager: Lauren Robinson
Being from Quebec, I feel the industry is ours to develop.”
There are many business opportunities in Canada for anyone willing to work hard and be creative, according to Yuri Alexandre, CEO of Castonguay Blasting (Castonguay). Indeed, the country is privileged to be sitting on numerous natural resources and critical minerals strived for by many around the world, now and in the future.
Yuri Alexandre, CEO
“Our advantage, being local, is that we know our environment such as the terrain, weather, culture, and communities. I feel we are well positioned to take on the industry,” affirms Alexandre, who has been with the company for 10 years.
Founded in 1971 in the city of Sherbrooke, the company now offers turnkey drilling and blasting, along with explosives supply and technical services, to the mining and construction sectors, leveraging its 50+ years of experience in the field.
Across its active offices in Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador, as well as South America, Castonguay employs around 300 people who are at the core of the company and commended by Alexandre as some of the best in the industry.
“We have built an internal team of engineers, technicians, and operators that specialize in what we do. This allows us to offer the best
practices and technical approaches to our customers, apply the highest standards, and respect industry laws and regulations,” he informs us.
“Our company has always been good with people, and as a result, we have multiple staff members with a long history at Castonguay. For example, one of our employees celebrated 39 years of loyal service this year!”
SAFETY, RESPECT, QUALITY, AND EXCELLENCE
Complemented by a fleet of 65 drill rigs and bulk explosives delivery equipment adapted to large mining and quarrying appliances, Castonguay fulfills multiple customer demands and delivers high-quality results.
“Our above-average standards and core values of safety, respect, and quality make us leaders in our field,” acclaims Alexandre.
The former is achieved through
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS
Active both in Canada and abroad, Castonguay cares about protecting the environment and works hard to preserve it by keeping its impact to a minimum.
To do so, the company favors biodegradable products, prioritizes the use of fuel-efficient equipment, ensures dangerous substances are handled and disposed of efficiently, and complies with dust emission standards, vibration limits, and the control of projections during its drilling and blasting operations.
Operating safely and responsibly is key to the success of Castonguay. Following legislative requirements as well as its own environmental policies, the company ensures the preservation of valuable resources.
Castonguay’s environmental objectives:
• Lower its carbon footprint
• Prevent spills
• Employee awareness training
• Minimize waste
• Efficient use of resources
• Environmental reporting and compliance
• Paperless technologies
rigorous health and safety training and the application of regional government standards and regulations in the workplace, which prevent harm to both employees and surrounding communities.
Castonguay also does its best to keep the use of dangerous substances to a bare minimum, pinpoint and eliminate risks, and respond adequately in case of an emergency or accident.
“We are accountable in regard to safety and production commitments and take a lot of pride in servicing our customers well, being comprehensive, and reacting quickly to their requests,” Alexandre smiles.
Respect is given to employees and clients by offering the best working conditions and solutions, whilst suppliers are likewise respected through honest and fair business transactions.
Quality and excellence,
“OUR CUSTOMERS KNOW THEY CAN DEPEND ON US FOR RELIABLE DRILLING AND BLASTING SERVICES, AND MORE RECENTLY, EXPLOSIVES SUPPLY”
– YURI ALEXANDRE, CEO, CASTONGUAY BLASTING
meanwhile, have been synonymous with Castonguay for over half a century, be it drilling and blasting services or, more recently, explosives supply.
Using proven methods and stateof-the-art equipment, the company offers clients superior quality results, whatever the project type or scope, as well as excellent customer service.
AREAS OF GROWTH
Quebec is a big growth market for Castonguay, who recently signed an agreement in 2020 with US explosives
manufacturer, Austin Powder, to become their exclusive distributor for the province.
Since then, the company has increased its fleet of bulk delivery equipment every year and tackled two turnkey mining contracts, in which it delivers full drilling and blasting services as well as 100 percent of the explosives.
“We also provide these services in the aggregates industry, where we offer both rock-on-ground services as well as direct explosives sales to customers,” Alexandre adds.
CASTONGUAY SERVICES
MINING – In open pit mines, taking advantage of the ore’s grade and avoiding excessive dilution are complex tasks that require the intervention of drilling and blasting experts.
Having worked closely with many mining companies worldwide, Castonguay’s team of specialists has acquired highly specific knowledge in this field.
Combined with one of Canada’s most important equipment fleets, this expertise allows the company to easily adapt to production variations and unpredictable weather conditions.
In short, Castonguay is capable of tackling short timeframes and complex projects, making it a leader in the field of open-pit mining.
QUARRIES – Castonguay always works closely with quarry operators, thus making sure that the material’s fragmentation is appropriate, the quarry is blasted in the most efficient way, and laws and regulations are respected.
Over the years, its methods have been adapted to meet the demand for work near populated areas. The company offers internal technical services and uses technologies such as blasting software, drones, deviation measuring devices, seismographs, and more to monitor blasting activity and ensure every blast is safe and optimized.
CIVIL
ENGINEERING
– Whether it be major hydroelectric projects, construction of mining infrastructure and site leveling, or piping system installations, Castonguay undertakes a wide range of civil engineering works.
To date, these projects have been successful and proven the top-of-line quality of the products and services provided by Castonguay, who plans to continue to grow this portion of the business in the coming years.
“We feel there is a place for us in the market. We are not only an explosives distributor but also an explosives user; we know what the customer needs,” states Alexandre.
Castonguay’s relationships with the likes of Austin Powder, as well as Sandvik and Epiroc for drilling equipment, are based on respect, communication, transparency, and continuous improvement.
“They are our main suppliers and part of our success, and we believe we are a good customer for them.
“The relationships we maintain are extremely important to us. It is also vital to communicate this to employees to ensure a culture of respect and communication is maintained at all levels,” Alexandre emphasizes.
“OUR ADVANTAGE, BEING LOCAL, IS THAT WE KNOW OUR ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS THE TERRAIN, WEATHER, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITIES. I FEEL WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO TAKE ON THE INDUSTRY”
– YURI ALEXANDRE, CEO, CASTONGUAY BLASTING
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT
The company recently renewed its fleet of drilling equipment with a significant amount of investment into the latest technologies.
On various customer sites, Castonguay currently operates drills equipped with GPS positioning technology, remote operation capabilities, autonomous functions, and pressurized cabins.
This, along with a fleet of exclusive drilling rigs built in-house, allows Castonguay to access rough terrain and still be capable of drilling large diameters using down-the-hole technology.
These rigs are mainly used for the development phases of mining projects where accessibility is a
challenge and ore dilution is critical.
“We will keep investing in explosives delivery equipment, drilling rigs with the latest technologies, and our company culture to attract and retain top talent,” Alexandre tells us.
Developing and improving the business with top talent and equipment is Castonguay’s key priority for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
“We want to add more explosives delivery equipment to our fleet in order to grow in this sector. We also look forward to mastering new technologies and using them to their full potential; our goal is to stay ahead in our industry and benefit our customers,” he concludes.
In doing so, Castonguay will need to find ways to be cost-effective
and keep the industry profitable as it contends with high inflation and increasing operating and capital expenses.
Tel: 705 693-3887
Fax: 705 693-3854
castonguay.ca
7/24
Covering
EVERY GRAIN COUNTS
Superior Silica Sands, a leading supplier of high-quality products for the industrial and energy sectors, is dedicated vision to provide efficient, cost-effective industry solutions.
Billy Ray Smith, CCO, and Stefan Hochegger, CFO, tell us
Writer:
Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Lauren Robinson
GRAIN
sand dedicated to its solutions. us more
The sand mining industry in North America is currently experiencing a transformative period marked by innovation and sustainability.
As such, it emerges as a stimulating trade environment with rising trends that focus on digital transformation, automation, and environmental stewardship.
“Companies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance their efficiency and reduce environmental impacts,” introduces Billy Ray Smith, CCO of Superior Silica Sands (SSS).
Over the years, SSS has garnered attention for its diverse range of high-quality sand products, alongside its dedication to customer service excellence and innovative industry solutions.
The company’s primary asset is a sand mining facility near San Antonio, Texas, from which it operates two state-of-the-art sand plants.
The industrial plant provides a wide range of products for use in the construction, sports, and industrial (CSI) market segments, equating to over one million tons (t) of sand per year.
The second plant is SSS’s Frac Sand Division, which provides highquality mesh sands for horizontal hydraulic fracturing applications and vertical wells for the Eagleford formation.
Today, the Frac Sand Division has an annual output of around 3 million t and has the capacity to load-out 15,000 t of sand daily.
Stefan Hochegger, CFO of SSS, is motivated by a long-standing belief that the sand mining industry is not merely about extracting resources but contributing to a larger mission of bettering human lives.
As SSS’s burgeoning success in the ever-expanding US energy sector continues to be felt, this belief is undeniably becoming a reality.
KEY PRODUCT OFFERINGS
As the US industrial and energy sectors evolve, the demand for innovative and reliable solutions grows.
“At SSS, the work we do in mining is fundamental to this progress, supplying essential materials that drive innovation and development,” Hochegger states.
In its provision of sands for the CSI and oil and gas industries, SSS’s product diversity is keenly felt.
“Our extensive portfolio of construction sand includes brick and block, stucco, cement, roofing, masonry, ready-mix, specialty, and all-purpose,” Smith details.
The company’s industrial sands provide material for glass, foundry, and filtration, whilst its sports sand products are often used on golf courses, artificial turfs, and volleyball courts.
“SSS is the leading supplier of construction and topdressing sand for the US Golf Association (USGA) in Texas, having completed over 300 courses in the last 10 years alone,” he prides.
In addition, the company is able to customize and blend its standard sand products to create a unique and individually tailored product – an unusual and competitive advantage.
MINING OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Billy Ray Smith, CCO: “I have been involved in the energy industry in one way or another my whole life. My initial exposure was through my father, who managed a small oil field service company that supplied trucking and workover rigs to the Permian Basin. I was fascinated by the size and scale of the equipment, and that fascination has never left me.
“After obtaining my degree in petroleum engineering from Texas Tech University, I started my career as a field engineer for the oil field services company, Halliburton. I experienced the highs and lows of the energy business very quickly and, over the course of the next 30 years, developed some very meaningful relationships.
“These relationships afforded me the opportunity to move farther upstream in the supply chain, which brought me to the mining sector about eight years ago. The mining world is not just about advanced equipment – it plays a pivotal role in enabling energy independence in the US.”
MINING FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
In recent years, the US mining industry’s role in supporting widespread national energy independence cannot be overstated.
“By ensuring a stable and reliable supply of critical minerals, SSS empowers the US to develop its energy resources more efficiently and sustainably,” Smith outlines.
Motivated by its desire to contribute to national energy independence, SSS’s provision of raw materials for domestic energy production reduces the country’s reliance on foreign energy sources and minimizes associated geopolitical tensions.
“Energy independence not only strengthens our economy but
enhances our national security by reducing the need for military engagements overseas to secure energy supplies,” Hochegger adds.
Having spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industries, Hochegger has cultivated a profound appreciation for the critical role energy plays in modern society.
“Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how energy contributes to economic growth, technological advancement, and community development,” he emphasizes.
By supporting energy independence, SSS hopes to create a foundation for technological innovation and community development to offer a more secure future for all.
TEAMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Just as diverse as SSS’s product offerings is its client base, which ranges from oil and gas majors and concrete ready-mix companies down to a small nursery plant shop on the north side of San Antonio.
In addition, an efficient and dedicated team instills a sense of quality and care into every facet of the company, something Smith believes sets SSS apart from the competition.
“Our biggest asset is our people –a team of around 125 professionals who are committed to excellence in both service and sustainability,” Smith confirms.
Furthermore, SSS’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that it remains at
the forefront of the industry, always striving to exceed expectations and contribute positively to society.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies, the company seeks to produce the highest quality products with minimal waste.
“In short, people and processes are our key differentiators,” he surmises.
Whilst its team and technologies provide a robust foundation for SSS’s success, its supply chain operations are equally integral.
“We place great importance on building strong, collaborative relationships with our partners and suppliers,” Smith divulges.
SSS’s supplier relationships are based on trust, transparency, and shared values.
By working closely with its suppliers, the company is able to ensure the consistent quality and timely delivery of materials which, in turn, allows it to meet the needs of clients.
MINING OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Stefan Hochegger, CFO: “I have spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industry, where I have gained a deep appreciation for the critical role energy plays in our economy and national security. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how energy contributes to economic development, technological advancement, and community growth.
“One of the key reasons I became interested in the mining industry is its direct impact on achieving energy independence for the United States. By supporting energy independence and driving economic growth, we create a foundation for technological innovation and community development.”
PEI-FAB, LLC has a reputation for excellence in safety, craftsmanship, and quality control. PEI-FAB services include in-house fabrication, engineering, new construction, plant modifications, and maintenance support. We understand the importance of our customers’ operations, and will work diligently to minimize downtime on all projects. PEI-FAB works closely with our vendors, having established solid relationships in many aspects of our industry. PEI-FAB has been in business since 2018.
Safety is our first priority in all aspects. PEI-FAB’s team members are our most valuable assets.
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
“WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON BUILDING STRONG, COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS”
personal safety and well-being in a small community we serve,” Smith divulges.
SSS provides this community support through one of its largest customers, demonstrating how many of the company’s customer relations and CSR responsibilities are intrinsically linked.
our employees grow and achieve their full potential,” he reveals.
The company culture at SSS is one of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, in which every team member is encouraged to share ideas and take the initiative.
– BILLY RAY SMITH, CCO, SUPERIOR SILICA
SANDS
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Within the mining industry, a strong emphasis on community engagement seeks to ensure that operations contribute positively to local economies and livelihoods.
As such, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of SSS’s operations.
Not only does it engage in conservation initiatives at the plant, such as the preservation of on-site vegetation and water, but it is also actively involved in initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life in local communities.
“For example, we have been supporting a program that promotes
In addition, SSS maintains that people are the cornerstone of its success.
As such, it is deeply committed to empowering its people and recognizing their important contributions.
“We invest in continuous training and development programs to help
TODAY’S SUCCESS, TOMORROW’S EXPANSION
SSS’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement is tantamount to its success.
“We believe that staying ahead of industry trends and constantly seeking new ways to improve our processes and products is crucial,” Smith outlines.
SSS’S MISSION, VISION, AND COMMITMENT
MISSION: To use its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, reliability, service, and integrity to be the most trusted supplier in the industrial and energy industries.
VISION: To provide customers with the most efficient, costeffective solutions for growing their business while providing a safe, stable, and rewarding work environment for employees.
COMMITMENT:
• To deliver the highest quality sand products at great value.
• To consistently deliver the highest level of customer service.
• To respond immediately to issues.
• To build long-term relationships with reliable, dependable people.
• To remain a trusted partner to its clients with the highest ethical standards.
In this way, the company has spent the past two years increasing its throughput capabilities and its ability to generate fit-for-purpose blends.
“We increased our throughput by more than 50 percent, which has allowed us to focus multiple sales channels simultaneously,” he discloses.
Additionally, in terms of utilizing fitfor-purpose blends, SSS has identified the glass, foundry, and filtration markets in the US and Mexico as an area of growth.
“Mexico is one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world,” Smith points out.
In the coming year, the company’s key priorities include further expanding its operational capabilities, continuing to build a strong employee base, and providing best-in-class, quality products and services.
Another of the company’s unique goals is to emerge as the most interesting and valued workplace in San Antonio.
“With our growing leadership development program, alongside our reputable interaction with both employees and customers, I believe we’re well on the way to achieving this,” he concludes.
Kunooz Oman Holding continues to transition from strength to strength across its mining, quarrying, and logistics projects. We speak to CEO, Naif Al Awaid, about the company’s guiding leadership philosophy and culture of care and improvement
Writer: Ed Budds Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
UNEARTHING TREASURE OMAN’S
UNEARTHING TREASURE OMAN’S
The Middle East is home to a titanic mining industry that is continuously evolving and growing into a key producer and supplier of bulk products and metals to pan-continental sectors.
Located within this vast region, the Sultanate of Oman (Oman) is an Arab nation found on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Holding a strategically important position at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf, the nation is bordered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan.
From the late 17th century, Oman was a powerful empire, historically vying with Portugal and Great Britain for influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE BUSINESS FORWARD BY OPTIMISING OUR HUMAN RESOURCES; WE STRIVE TO EMPOWER A TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES”
– NAIF AL AWAID, CEO, KUNOOZ OMAN HOLDING
At its apex in the 19th century, Omani influence and control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to Iran and modern-day Pakistan, spanning as far south as Zanzibar, today part of Tanzania.
At present, mining is among the industries forecasted to drive Oman’s future growth in the non-hydrocarbon gas sector and burgeoning financial prosperity.
Within this vast sector, Kunooz Oman Holding (KOH) is an established and respected company engaged in the mining of minerals and resources.
Its name in Arabic translates to “treasure”, in reference to precious metals and stones found under the earth, whilst also citing the broader mining industry, which digs out
mineral treasures from deep below the ground’s surface.
As Group CEO at KOH, Naif Al Awaid brings over 26 years of experience in the logistics, energy power generation, high-tech, and port ops, and engineering industries.
The company was incorporated in January 2014, following the consolidation of five subsidiaries and two associates in the mining, quarrying, transportation, and construction materials sectors.
“Our current strategy has involved ramping up and optimising our operations and balance sheet, identifying new opportunities and acquisition targets in order to become a key player in the mining space,” Al Awaid introduces.
KOH COMMITMENTS
KOH believes that occupational health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) are key factors in its future business success and form part of its corporate core values.
KOH IS COMMITTED TO:
• Providing a safe and healthy workplace for all its stakeholders.
• Protecting the environment in which it operates and focusing on net zero strategies.
• Complying with all applicable legal requirements in Oman.
• Providing the necessary resources to manage its HSSE programmes effectively and continually improve their performance.
• Safeguarding all its assets from loss and damage.
• Training and motivating its employees, contractors, and suppliers to work in a safe and environmentally-responsible manner.
• Communicating and consulting with its employees and other interested parties on matters that affect their health and safety and encouraging their participation in HSSE management.
• Fostering a culture that empowers and supports the company’s people and assets.
GUIDING LEADERSHIP
For KOH, the company’s leadership philosophy acts as a guiding light and provides insight into the key perspectives transporting the whole organisation and its unwavering team spirit to a new horizon of opportunities and success.
This shared philosophy enables clear decision-making in the face of complex situations, empowering the team to achieve the intended results.
KOH’S VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES
VISION – To bring mineral resources to the world that support the environmental development of Oman, while constantly striving to inspire progress.
MISSION – To create sustainable value for the company’s investors, the people it invests in, and the environments in which it works.
CORE VALUES
• Health and safety
• Transparency and integrity
• Effective collaboration
• Performance orientation
• Resourcefulness
“We must be consistent in our performance and apply best practices to create a culture of change and improvement,” Al Awaid tells us.
Inspiration and motivation are also key tools that KOH looks to employ across every facet of the business.
“Additionally, we are focused on transformational leadership while maintaining our Omani culture and values within the communities where we work.
“We do this by increasing local content and aim to increase in-country value that impacts our environment and main assets positively in order to achieve the optimal objective where safety, people, processes, and growth are developed simultaneously,” he adds.
Furthermore, KOH’s strategy involves setting clear goals and enacting a vision where it sets regular, clear objectives with timelines to achieve its overarching mission and vision.
“Creating healthy environments is one of the key factors for work-life balance, and safety has also been a priority for KOH and our people. We celebrate wins, acknowledge and reward our team’s achievements, and boost morale while encouraging continuous efforts towards our goals.”
As well as this, the company focuses on consistent communication, and listens to ideas, feedback, or concerns, whilst a two-way flow of information ensures everyone feels involved in the business.
“WE PROMOTE A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE THROUGH FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES AND LEAVE POLICIES, AS WE BELIEVE THAT A COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IS AN ONGOING JOURNEY, AND KOH CONTINUES TO EVOLVE ITS PRACTICES TO SUPPORT ITS WORKFORCE AND STAKEHOLDERS”
– NAIF AL AWAID, CEO, KUNOOZ OMAN HOLDING
“We stand on our success; by rewarding and celebrating, we identify where we can develop, improve, and bring consistency and growth to our teams and processes,” Al Awaid shares.
PRIORITISING EMPLOYEE
WELL-BEING
To date, KOH has always prioritised
the well-being of its people.
The company aims to guarantee safety, health, security, and a positive working environment as top priorities for taking care of its team.
“As responsible employees, we have implemented a rigorous risk assessment process and aligned all risk mitigation and precautionary measures to achieve our safety
parameters,” Al Awaid sets out.
“KOH celebrates safety days on an annual basis across all its subsidiaries, and we have also taken proactive measures in noise and dust control for areas where we operate, alongside offering medical insurance for all our staff and their families,” he affirms.
KOH adheres to all local labour requirements and working
hours standards, in addition to implementing flexible schedules and other initiatives that encourage its employees to work in a friendly, optimal environment.
“We promote a healthy work-life balance through flexible schedules and leave policies, as we believe that a company’s commitment to employee well-being is an ongoing journey, and KOH continues to evolve its practices to support its workforce and stakeholders.”
EFFICIENCY AND ENHANCEMENT
Looking ahead, KOH strives to place safety first for both its stakeholders and the communities in which it works.
“Given the fast-paced nature of the mining and quarrying industry, I believe each business has its own situations, culture, and difficulties to contend with. However, there are many common challenges for mining companies in Oman, but we need to focus on important topics such as safety,” Al Awaid confirms.
Alongside this, KOH looks to enhance its people development and talent management strategy, combined with the acceleration of business growth, in-country value, and net zero solutions.
KOH’s current aims include an ongoing plan to efficiently allocate capital to its operating companies to encourage individual and synergistic development.
“We will continue to drive the business forward by optimising our human resources; we strive to empower a top management team with sufficient flexibility to enhance operational efficiencies.
“In relation to this, we foresee extensive collaboration through partnerships found within our holding structure,” Al Awaid finishes.
KUNOOZ OMAN HOLDING Tel: 24222600 /601 www.kunoozoman.com
EXECUTING EVOLUTION
EPC Groupe is a world leader in explosives manufacturing, storage and distribution, and primarily drilling and blasting. With multiple dynamic roles, including Area Manager of EPC Groupe’s Northern Europe Area, Managing Director of EPC-UK, and Chairman of the Institute of Quarrying, Ben Williams talks about the company’s roles and priorities in an evolving industry
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton
EXPLOSIVE EVOLUTION
Having been in operation for over 130 years, EPC Groupe is a proven trailblazer in designing effective solutions and technological innovations for the mining, surface quarrying, and tunnelling sectors.
Constantly adapting to perform in a more globalised and dynamic market, the organisation provides services for
some of the world’s leading names in mining, cement, aggregates, civil engineering, and underground operations.
Believing that sustainability is impossible without evolution and adaptation, EPC Groupe prides itself on performing global operations in demanding fields safely, securely, and ethically.
“EPC GROUPE’S RECORD OF INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND PEOPLE’S DEVELOPMENT IS SOMETHING TO BE VERY PROUD OF, AS IS OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE LONGEVITY AND CAREER PROGRESSION ACROSS ALL LEVELS IN THE BUSINESS”
- BEN WILLIAMS, AREA MANAGER, EPC GROUPE NORTHERN EUROPE
Supporting customers across all five continents with highperformance products and services for diverse and complex needs, the company is a pioneer in the field of integrated drilling and blasting, blast engineering, and special works. Its permanent investment in the R&D of products, tools, and solutions
improves customer performance, enables specialised logistics, and adds value without losing sight of a set of guiding SPIRIT values: safety, passion, integrity, respect, innovation, and teamwork.
AN INNATE PASSION
“Headquartered in France, EPC
Groupe operates in almost 30 countries around the world, within assigned areas of Mediterranean Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Americas, and my own region,” opens Ben Williams, Area Manager of EPC Groupe’s Northern Europe Area.
“We are operating in an exciting space, utilising the maturity of the continent’s markets in both surface and underground mining to create, develop, and apply new and relevant technologies and sustainable solutions. This is the template to support our industry on a wider global scale.
“The trends within Northern Europe right now are focused on mining’s evolution to become a sector that contributes to the long-term answers that benefit the planet, achievable through supporting industries’ battery technologies, alongside sustainable energy and transport solutions,” he elaborates.
Williams’ Northern European Area covers the markets of Ireland, the UK, Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland, and the Baltics. Supported by a passionate team, he is working to expand
TEAM SOLUTIONS
What differentiates EPC Groupe from its competition in all markets is that the company is regarded as a solutions provider, not just as an explosives manufacturer.
business in these areas through the supply of EPC Groupe’s technology and products to regional operators.
INDUSTRY INNOVATOR
“I feel that internationally, we’re leading the way in providing the very drilling and blasting services needed to evolve the industry for the better,” Williams sets out.
Developments to achieve this are supported by four upper-tier Seveso sites, comprising three emulsion manufacturing sites in Sweden, the UK, and a joint venture in Ireland, as well as a logistics, energetics, and storage hub in the South East of England.
“In the UK, we’re producing and transporting surface bulk emulsion and delivering a fully integrated rock-on-ground (ROG) service, which includes all the elements required from drilling, blast design, and profiling through to the final blast,” he continues.
“Using our ROG+ service and
360-degree measurement, as well as combining smart blasting integration with a mine’s reporting tools, we can establish the best value for customers. In Sweden, concentration is placed on providing contractors with bulk emulsion production services for tunnelling, underground mining, and surface quarrying applications. Meanwhile, operations in Ireland are delivered as a technology-based bulk emulsion supplier, renowned for providing effective services to assist the customer in extracting value in their operations.”
PROJECT PROGRESSION
Williams goes on to detail the projects EPC Groupe’s Northern Europe Area currently has in the pipeline, including a successfully deployed drilling and blasting solution in Greenland led by EPC Sverige (Sweden).
Its product, manufactured in Sweden, has contributed to the infrastructure of two Greenland airport extensions in Nuuk and Ilulissat.
Working for different main contractors, EPC Sverige has provided explosives and project blasting advice for these two key projects to support tourism, as well as local mining companies’ logistical efforts to fly employees to and from the island, helping to generate commerce opportunities for Greenland in the long term.
Other key investments include the finalisation of a TNT booster manufacturing plant in the UK, intended to supply domestic and worldwide markets by early 2025.
Furthermore, priority is also being given to an increasing number of sustainability projects.
Through EPC Renewables activity, EPC-UK has enabled the delivery of a number of energy windfarm developments, whilst enabling a sustainable ‘countryside stewardship practice’ across its two buffer zone farmland estates.
In Sweden, EPC Groupe’s services
to support battery production, in addition to windfarm infrastructure, have increased further.
RESPECT AND INTEGRITY
From a personal perspective, Williams believes that you don’t choose this industry- it chooses you. Having joined the sector in 1995 with a background in leisure management, he found that once he’d had a taste for the work and culture involved and experienced the gravitas of blasts out in a surface quarry environment, he couldn’t look back.
“The personal passion I share with my teams for working in this industry is a driving force of our growing success, which must also be attributed to the trust and relationships we’ve developed with our key suppliers,” Williams says.
“We’re proud of the certified business continuity we have in place, which has contributed to forming the strengthened relationships that
Supporting EPC Groupe for over 30 years
Leith is a specialist provider of town and country planning services to clients across the UK and Europe, including EPC Groupe, which we have been advising for over 30 years.
Underpinning our business and people is a dedication to make lives better. This commitment has enabled us to make a real difference to our clients and communities.
If you own a site and want to find out whether planning permission is achievable, contact our specialist team:
T 01253 795548
W theleithgroup.co.uk
E commercial@theleithgroup.co.uk
unquestionably saw us through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During that time, team efforts came to the fore, and our commitment to safety was unwavering. I am always proud of our employees’ support of our SPIRIT values, which are consistently reflected throughout all areas of our business practices and beyond. The positive impact of our values was recognised last year when we won the prestigious Sir Frank Davies Trophy in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) category of the MPA Awards for performing as one of the safest operators and suppliers in the industry,” he enthuses.
“Our ongoing charitable endeavours also contribute to the SPIRIT value ethos and as a company, we have so far succeeded in raising funds to purchase, install, and provide training for over 30 lifesaving defibrillators within junior sports clubs and schools
across the UK,” Williams extends.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the industry’s landscape evolves, EPC Groupe’s Northern Europe Area’s key priorities for the forthcoming months will involve effectively delivering its booster manufacturing project and generating added value for customers through a new ROG+ service in the UK and Sweden.
“In Ireland, the focus will be on applying existing and proven expertise in establishing a robust logistics solution. Attention will also be paid to new areas for expansion. We’re looking to progress opportunities for EPC Renewables, collaborating with windfarm construction companies and furthering additional sustainable energy projects,” acclaims Williams.
Headway will also be made as a result of EPC Groupe’s recent acquisition of Vibraquipo, an international vibration measurement equipment manufacturer.
As the company’s projects progress, so too do Williams’ professional capabilities to support developments. In 2023, his contribution to the industry to date
was rewarded when he was appointed Chairman of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) in the UK, a mineral extractives professional body with branches in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Asia, South Africa, and Hong Kong.
Williams’ work to progress the global influence of the IQ will grow further in the coming months when he becomes the organisation’s incoming President in 2024.
A PINNACLE ROLE
“With so much change on the horizon, it’s an important time for the drilling and blasting and mining industries,” Williams states.
“I would encourage anyone with
“WE’RE PROUD OF THE CERTIFIED BUSINESS CONTINUITY WE HAVE IN PLACE, WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO FORMING THE STRENGTHENED RELATIONSHIPS THAT UNQUESTIONABLY SAW US THROUGH THE CHALLENGES PRESENTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC”
- BEN WILLIAMS, AREA MANAGER, EPC GROUPE NORTHERN EUROPE
an appetite to develop the skills our business needs to consider the opportunities that are out there. For us, the most important qualities we look for in a team member are passion, initiative, and a demonstrated desire to be part of our company culture.
“In my role as Chairman of the IQ, we have developed new career pathways, including a UK universityaccredited diploma in the use of explosives, which will be launched in Autumn 2024. Also, within the year, we are launching a suite of underground, tunnelling, and demolition courses to complement current material delivered by EPC-UK in collaboration with awarding bodies.
“EPC Groupe’s record of investment in education and people’s development is something to be very proud of, as is our ability to provide longevity and career progression across all levels in the business. Our industry is its people, and by
applying knowledge, commitment, and technological solutions, their capabilities and passion will forge the way to shaping this sector’s future,” he concludes.
Tel: 01773 832 253
info@epc-groupe.co.uk
www.epc-groupe.co.uk
GLISTENING PROSPECTS
Prospects for the Eastern Goldfields are bright thanks to significant renewable energy and digital transformation projects at Gold Fields Australia’s mining assets in the region
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Eddie
Clinton
The historic Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia (WA) is one of the country’s most colourful mining areas.
Spanning 320,000 square kilometres, it includes the gold mining towns of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie as well as four mines – St Ives, Agnew, Granny Smith, and Gruyere – operated by Gold Fields Australia (GFA).
The gold producer has been operating in Australia since 2001, where its presence began with the acquisition of the St Ives and Agnew operations and has since expanded exponentially.
More than 10.5 million ounces (oz) of gold has been produced by St Ives since the first major gold mining expedition commenced in the mid-1980s.
Today, over 350,000 oz of gold are produced annually by the mine, which is located near Lake Lefroy about 80 kilometres (km) south of Kalgoorlie and 630km east of Perth.
It is situated on the Norseman-Wiluna Belt, a highly mineralised granite-greenstone terrain with world-class gold and nickel deposits that forms part of the Yilgarn Craton, which constitutes a major part of WA’s land mass.
St Ives features both underground and surface mining but continues to transition to a predominantly underground operation, with the majority of production from the Invincible and Hamlet North underground complexes.
RENEWABLE PROJECT
An impressive high-grade deposit, Invincible is the most significant discovery in the history of St Ives and possibly the entire WA goldfields community.
Invincible earned its name due to the sheer size of the deposit, which is located 8km from the Lefroy Mill.
Lode thickness varies from less than one metre (m) in length to more than 20m in the thicker portions of the orebody and has been defined as nearly 2km in strike length.
This exciting discovery resulted in the start of open pit mining in January 2015, before the Invincible
underground project commenced in November 2017.
With emphasis on the continued expansion of underground operations at Invincible, full production exceeding two million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) has now been established at the complex, which will form the foundation of the St Ives operation over the next eight years.
In March 2024, meanwhile, an AUD$296 million renewable energy project to be built at the St Ives mine was approved, with construction now underway.
The plant will be the largest in the global Gold Fields portfolio to date and the first to be built and managed by the group itself, rather than independent power producers.
Comprising wind and solar capacity of 42 megawatts (MW) and 35MW, respectively, the St Ives renewable project includes seven wind turbines and around 60,000 photovoltaic
panels, as well as a 33 kilovolt (kV) renewable energy hub substation and a 132kV transmission line.
Once operational by the end of next year, it will provide 73 percent of the electricity required by St Ives and reduce the operation’s electricity costs to a third of previous GFA forecasts for 2025.
The project, which will additionally provide cheaper electricity and offer enhanced energy security, is therefore a clear and tangible signal of the decarbonisation commitments of GFA and the wider Gold Fields group.
MICROGRID SYSTEM
Along with St Ives, a renewable energy project also leads the way at Agnew, another of GFA’s underground operations situated almost 1,000km from Perth.
Agnew’s mining operations comprise the consolidated Waroonga and New Holland underground complex, which produces over 250,000 oz of gold per annum.
The Agnew Hybrid Renewable Microgrid (AHRM) is leading the mining sector’s transition to clean energy for off-grid mining operations and is the largest project of its kind in Australia.
The microgrid, which was commissioned in 2020, comprises gas, diesel, solar, and wind generation, as well as battery energy storage and advanced microgrid control systems. Notably, it is the first microgrid in the country to utilise wind generation on a large scale at a mine site.
More than half of Agnew’s electricity is now sourced from renewables generated by AHRM without compromising power quality or reliability, and more than 80 percent is generated by the microgrid’s five 110m tall wind turbines and solar farm, depending on the right conditions.
Top Maintenance Solutions for Heavy
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
GFA is committed to ensuring that the development and expansion of its business is done in such a way that minimises environmental and stakeholder impacts.
The company is dedicated to acting and using natural resources responsibly in all areas of environmental management.
For GFA, it is paramount to promote environmental responsibility to employees and stakeholders, as well as throughout the supply chain, through various awareness and environmental field programmes.
This innovative hybrid renewable energy system was delivered under a 10-year agreement with GFA by EDL, a leading global producer of sustainable distributed energy that owns a global portfolio of power stations in Australia as well as North America and Europe.
It was GFA’s clean energy vision that inspired EDL’s work to push the boundaries of existing technologies to develop this groundbreaking system.
AHRM continues to be recognised, as GFA and EDL took home the Excellence in Environmental Management accolade at the 2020 Australian Mining Prospect Awards, where it was hailed as a significant step forward in hybrid renewable energy engineering at scale.
AUD$13.5 million in funding was provided to the microgrid project by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its
Advancing Renewables Programme.
According to ARENA, AHRM has demonstrated that a remote mining operation can be powered by highpenetration renewable energy, and that wind power is a mature and reliable technology for use at mines.
There is also a strong economic case for high-penetration renewable projects such as AHRM where wind and solar resources complement each other as they do at Agnew, with solar generation during the day and wind generation at night.
AHRM benefits all of GFA’s stakeholders now and in the future, clearly demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions that reduce its carbon footprint whilst strengthening its security of supply and paving the way for the industry to implement renewable systems.
10 years of ADROIT work
As AMS rapidly approaches it’s 10th year in business, we pause briefly to reflect on what we’ve become, what we’ve achieved, and what we are working towards.
While the milestone is one to be proud of, it also gives us a moment to look at the fundamentals and how they’ve moulded us into the business we are today.
The cornerstones of AMS are still strong, continually setting us apart from our competitors and keeping us at the forefront of our clients’ mind.
Leading by example, delivering results, acting like an owner, being team players, remaining accountable, encouraging development, equal opportunity, and protecting the environment are our values. It’s easy to put these in place when starting a business up, however, 10 years on and we still pride ourselves on remaining true to these basic morals. Incorporating high quality and an incredibly safety conscience team, we’ve seen rapid expansion and development, with our works portfolio expanding far beyond initial comprehension. The dedication of our team at AMS allows them to always strive for the one percent wins, push to work outside their comfort zones, and look for innovation rather than obsoletion.
ADROIT’s values are not dreams of where we need to be; they are experienced daily here and by all we engage. With the continual support of our clients, we’ve maintained mutually beneficial relationships that have evolved over the years into lifelong partnerships.
The road for us has been a hard one, and not gifted in any way. AMS started out as a small projects-based infrastructure contractor with four employees working out of a dirt floor shed. We have pushed through mounting labour shortages, high wages, ever-increasing insurances, emergent tax implications, and the COVID-19 pandemic to become a 40+ strong team with a full equipment inventory and a modern well-kept fabrication workshop.
ADROIT’s stance in the community is one of the strongest in the region. From work experience and apprenticeships through to school funding and sporting groups assistance, AMS’ impact is not just a fiscal one, but also a physical one that everyone is a part of.
The future of AMS revolves around innovation and continued diversity. Our team have seen the changes and the tangible results of their hard work. They are not afraid of new challenges and are ready to develop alongside the business.
GFA VALUES –AT A GLANCE
SAFETY – If GFA cannot mine safely, it will not mine.
INTEGRITY – The company acts with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
RESPECT – All stakeholders are treated with trust, dignity, and respect.
RESPONSIBILITY – GFA takes personal ownership of the impact it has on its people, relationships, safety, and the environment.
INNOVATION – The business encourages and drives innovation.
COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY –
GFA works as a team to deliver excellent results.
For GFA, it is also an outstanding example of the capacity of the hybrid renewable energy model to meet the dynamic power requirements of remote mining.
GRANNY SMITH OPERATION
There are also plans to expand GFA’s 8MW solar plant at the underground Granny Smith mine to 11MW.
Acquired by GFA in October 2013, Granny Smith has remained in continual operation since being commissioned in 1990 and has a 10+ year mine life as of 2022.
Around 1.6 Mtpa of gold-bearing ore is extracted from the Granny Smith underground operation, which is situated 740km northeast of Perth, and treated at the site’s processing plant.
Just over 10km from the Granny Smith pit, the Wallaby deposit was discovered in 1998, with the first open pit ore delivered in November 2001.
Underground mining at Wallaby commenced in December 2005 and remains ongoing, with annual production exceeding 250,000 oz per
year and surveys indicating that it still has many years of productive life.
Wallaby is accessed via a portal established within the completed open pit and is trackless, with underground truck haulage via the pit ramp to the surface.
Two primary underground mining methods are used – inclined room and pillar (IRP) and transverse longhole stoping (TLS) – with minor adjustments to suit localised geometry.
For the GFA team members who travel to the Granny Smith site via a chartered jet from Perth Airport or by road from the host community towns of Laverton and Kalgoorlie, camp life includes village rooms consisting of fully contained ensuites and extensive phone coverage availability.
There are also well-equipped recreational facilities that staff can enjoy, including a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, two multi-use sports courts, golf practice driving nets, pool and table tennis tables, as well as a grassed gazebo area for special functions.
LEADING SUPPLIER OF ACTIVATED CARBON TO THE GOLD MINING INDUSTRY
For 50 years Haycarb has mastered the art of producing the most technically superior activated carbon for the gold mining industry.
Today with a production capacity of 57,000 MT per annum, spread over 6 manufacturing facilities in 3 countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, we are a dominant and preferred supplier to the premium gold mines in the world from North America, South America, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia.
Haycarb's laboratories are fully equipped to perform a wide range of tests and assays on activated carbon. As part of our technical services, we offer the following:
PERFECTED OVER TIME
Our manufacturing processes have been aligned to produce highest quality products that meet the most stringent quality requirements of mines all over the world.
The intrinsic hardness, high density and low platelet content of Haycarb Activated carbon products set the industry standard for performance.
Precise and consistent particle size distribution, exceptional kinetics of Gold adsorption (R & K values) as well as high abrasion resistance of our activated carbon leading to reduced tailings, brands Haycarb as the preferred carbon for premium mines around the world.
OUR SERVICE SUITE OUR
Routine Testing: Evaluating the condition of plant carbons, regeneration efficiency and process carbon management.
Technical Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues related to activated carbon systems.
Activated Carbon Plant Audits: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of activated carbon plants to ensure optimal performance.
Plant Operator Training: Providing specialized training for plant operators on effective carbon management.
Haycarb can supply various grades and particle sizes of activated carbon, tailored to meet the specific activity levels required by different process plants. The most common grades used in the gold industry are as follows;
YAO series RPMC series
For more information and assistance, please contact your nearest Haycarb office.
PACKAGING
Standard packaging is primarily designed to prevent the deterioration of accurately graded granules and to prevent the adsorption of moisture or atmospheric contaminants. Other packaging criteria can be accommodated upon request.
DIGITALISED ACTIVITIES
As a mine operator, GFA faces a broad range of planning and operational challenges in hard-to-predict environments.
Digitalising activities below the surface at the mature Granny Smith mining complex, for example, has typically been hampered by the difficulty of enabling wireless communications underground.
As such, GFA has invested in its own 4G network at Wallaby to Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication standard, enabling the transmission of large volumes of data underground and from deep in the mine to the surface.
To deliver a modern, digitalised mine, the ABB Ability™ operations management system (OMS) was also deployed by the company in December 2023 to coordinate
production scheduling and execution across Granny Smith, which is now the flagship for digital transformation across the company’s mine portfolio.
The OMS is a contributing factor to the ongoing digital transformation of the underground Granny Smith operation, aiming to increase productivity and streamline data flow to enable timely decision-making.
Short-interval control and closedloop scheduling are integrated into the same digital platform by the OMS, connecting mine planning and operations in real time, including design, maintenance, workforce, equipment, and services.
This enables operators to plan production scheduling, automate activities, and quickly react to disturbances that may hinder production.
Granny Smith’s workforce, as well as all fixed and mobile equipment at the mine, will be connected to achieve new levels of production scheduling efficiency, optimising resource usage and implementing the production
plan more effectively.
Likewise, ‘what-if’ scenario analysis and re-planning will help inform decisions taken by GFA’s teams, maximising efficiency and financial opportunities for the operation.
The ABB Ability™ OMS therefore supports GFA with significant improvements to planning and productivity by moving individual responsibilities onto a digitalised system for faster decision-making and higher productivity.
As well as more efficient and profitable extraction of gold from a mine that has already been operating underground since 2005, the digitalisation of Granny Smith creates a cleaner environment by organising the movement of people and unnecessary equipment into a seamless workflow.
FLEET MANAGEMENT
The OMS implementation follows on from an AUD$1.1 million contract awarded by GFA to ABB in October 2022 to digitally optimise mining operations at Granny Smith by integrating a digital fleet management system (FMS).
ABB Ability™ underpins the implementation and integration of the FMS, which supports the
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latest Industry 4.0 interoperability standards.
Scheduling the vast number of independent mining activities is a difficult task as it has a significant impact on safety, energy consumption, and environmental performance, whilst the ability of mines to operate at maximum efficiency is also often limited by imperfect manual coordination.
Optimising personnel and the utilisation of assets is impossible without oversight of what is happening underground at any given time. Otherwise, it can take hours to replace equipment that has broken down or bring additional licensed operators from the surface to the drill site when there are delays on another procedure.
Applying the digital FMS lifts a lid on this opaque realm and achieves transparency at Granny Smith, where sensors are now applied to machinery to constantly monitor and transmit
the whereabouts and operational state of crucial equipment and people. Documents and work orders can also be received via computer tablets by employees, who can likewise report on the completion of tasks or schedule interruptions.
Equipped with such real-time data, ABB’s OMS and FMS maximise the utilisation of GFA’s equipment and orchestrate its workforce to progress more seamlessly from task to task, adapting to events as they happen.
This fully interoperable system will allow the company to manage Granny Smith operations in real time from a centralised control room once it is embedded in mine procedures.
GRUYERE JOINT VENTURE
Last but not least, Gruyere is one of Australia’s largest underdeveloped gold deposits, defined as 148 million tonnes grading 1.2 grams per tonne for 6.2 million oz of contained gold.
A Tier 1 low-cost and long-life asset,
Gruyere was discovered in October 2013 by Gold Road Resources, who announced a 50:50 joint venture (JV) in the development and operation of the deposit with GFA in November 2016.
Since the first gold pour took place in June 2019, marking the commencement of production, the Gruyere JV has successfully yielded more than 1.2 million oz of gold up until the end of December 2023, with record annual gold production of 321,984 oz delivered last year alone.
The Gruyere JV is a 24-hour mining and processing operation, with current mine life extending to at least 2032. This includes the Golden Highway satellite pits, which are situated about 30km from the main Gruyere mine.
Through its St Ives, Agnew, Granny Smith, and Gruyere assets, GFA is realising its vision to be the preferred mining company delivering superior, sustainable value.
